Senior Manager- Reliability Engineering USA

Basic Job Functions: This is a leadership role critical to First Solar's continued success, with significant influence on the qualification and commercialization of new technologies quickly and efficiently, collaborating closely with many functions including Development Engineering, Reliability/Device Physics, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Global Customer Service, and Product Management to do so. This leader is responsible for the development of systems and activities to assess design and process changes, building reliability modeling infrastructure, developing processes to understand physics of technology and material interactions, monitor volume manufacturing & fielded product performance, investigate issues, and drive root cause & corrective actions. This leader is responsible for the development, implementation, and execution of DFMEA, understanding defects at early stage and linking its impact to field performance, support developing product qualification plans from early stages of development to implementation, including IEC certification. This leader manages his group to generate actionable information through testing and data analysis to safeguard, assure, and improve module Reliability. This leader owns the training, use, maintenance, and continuous improvement of DFMEA and assist in the development of PFMEA collaborating closely with Manufacturing Engineering. Education/Experience: M.S. in an engineering discipline such as Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields, Ph.D. preferred. B.S. in an engineering discipline or related field10+ years of experience in an engineering discipline including volume manufacturing and process/product improvement. 10+ years of experience in reliability prediction modeling, reliability physics and MTBF 8+ years of engineering leadership and management experience in process engineering and/or process development. 5+ years of experience managing the Quality and/or Reliability function in a global volume manufacturing and product development setting, with strong familiarity with pertinent UL & IEC standards. Required Skills/Competencies: Demonstrated expertise in creating safe work environments Strong technical background with ability to quickly understand new concepts and ideas. Knowledge of semiconductor-based technologies such as microelectronics and ideally large area thin film technologies is a plus. Experience in a high-tech, high growth environment preferred. Track record of increasing responsibility in the Quality & Reliability function with a reputation as a customer advocate. Proven ability to manage/execute Quality & Reliability programs, strategy, and culture in a global manufacturing company. Data driven approach to solving issues with strong data mining and data analysis skills, with ability to apply experimental and statistical techniques to convert data to actionable information. Strong knowledge of SPC, lean manufacturing concepts, reliability analysis and six sigma. Demonstrates passion for process improvement, identifying gaps in operational systems and driving resolution. Excellent interpersonal, managerial, organizational, and team-building skills with a proven record of delivering results through hands-on leadership. Succeeds through influence with both internal and external customers. Comfortable working at all levels in the organization, across functional boundaries and a variety of cultures, forging relationships across internal departments, suppliers, customers and external labs. Communicates clearly and regularly with direct reports and key colleagues worldwide. Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs. Essential Responsibilities: Implements a world class safety culture, instilling and demonstrating a Safety First mentality. Verification &