Manager- Laboratory

First Solar•Perrysburg, OH

About The Position

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: Operation and maintenance of the Analytical and Chemical Testing Lab. Performs and supervises chemical analysis for quality monitoring and certification. Supports production, development engineering, quality and reliability, and waste streams. Develops new methods as appropriate. Characterization and analysis of materials: compositional and elemental analysis using traditional analytical chemistry methods including, but not limited to: ICP-OES, ICP-MS, EDX, qualitative and volumetric analysis, material characterization, DSC, TGA, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen analysis, UCET, GPC, GC-MS, optical microscopy and spectrophotometry. Generates analytical reports that include composition analysis, based on various methods on samples provided by internal customers. Provides reports for monthly activities. Establishes and manages interactions with outside vendors/specialists for advanced material characterization. Manages analytical lab activities, maintains equipment calibration, and manages equipment service contracts. Ensures quality and standards in reporting through proficiency benchmarking program. Manages lab personnel. Develops operating budget and manages to the plan. In charge of analytical lab equipment: operation, maintenance, measurements and analysis of data. Characterizes & evaluates specific materials, properties to drive improvements in device properties, ensure analysis of waste streams are within limits. Collaborates with engineers to help in achieving efficiency and stability improvements. Designs and executes experiments to understand & evaluate material, surface & interface properties. Provides data/analysis and recommendation to engineers & management. Negotiation/coordination of work with external vendors/specialists for advanced material characterization. Develops lab associates for strong bench strength and cross functional support. Provides technical assistance to other groups (Manufacturing Engineering, Development Engineering, Quality and Reliability, EH&S, Wastewater, and Recycling). Provides assistance to global labs to assure consistent quality operation globally. Interfaces with other company and supplier representatives as required. Ensures adherence to all safety and environmental procedures and housekeeping standards. Manages the workflow of an analytical lab Researches concepts of the analysis of novel materials and translate into laboratory methods. Job description subject to change at any time.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or closely related field required. Masters degree or PhD preferred.
10 years of experience in analytical laboratory management required.
Experience in operation and maintenance of chemical lab equipment, preparation, standard chemistry measurement & analysis methods and development of analytical chemistry techniques of semiconductor material, process waste, and additional capabilities as required.
Hands-on knowledge of ICP-OES, ICP-MS, EDX, GC, GPC, TGA, DSC, spectrophotometry, optical microscopy including data interpretation.
Proven track record of writing comprehensive analytical reports.
Ability to supervise analytical chemists.
Trains others in chemical analysis.
Functional expert in most of the analysis techniques used in the laboratory.
Drives to understand and develop high quality standards.
In depth and hands-on knowledge in the analyses of routine materials, including polymers, semiconductors, waste and recycling stream materials, and developmental materials.
Strong written and verbal communications skills to ensure effective participation with interdepartmental teams.
Motivation to work independently
Competency with method development, including novel materials.
Knowledge of standard software (MS Office suite, JMP. LIMS).
Commitment to meet goals on time.
Ability to lead projects involving multiple internal and external parties.
Advanced problem-solving skills
Strong written and verbal communications skills to ensure effective participation with interdepartmental teams.
Demonstrated ability to solve problems.
Ability to multi-task
Other duties as assigned.

Nice To Haves

Masters degree or PhD preferred.
Experience in installation/start-up of commercial/industrial chemistry lab equipment and other analytical tools is an advantage.

Responsibilities

Operation and maintenance of the Analytical and Chemical Testing Lab
Performs and supervises chemical analysis for quality monitoring and certification
Supports production, development engineering, quality and reliability, and waste streams
Develops new methods as appropriate
Characterization and analysis of materials
Generates analytical reports that include composition analysis
Provides reports for monthly activities
Establishes and manages interactions with outside vendors/specialists for advanced material characterization
Manages analytical lab activities, maintains equipment calibration, and manages equipment service contracts
Ensures quality and standards in reporting through proficiency benchmarking program
Manages lab personnel
Develops operating budget and manages to the plan
In charge of analytical lab equipment: operation, maintenance, measurements and analysis of data
Characterizes & evaluates specific materials, properties to drive improvements in device properties, ensure analysis of waste streams are within limits
Collaborates with engineers to help in achieving efficiency and stability improvements
Designs and executes experiments to understand & evaluate material, surface & interface properties
Provides data/analysis and recommendation to engineers & management
Negotiation/coordination of work with external vendors/specialists for advanced material characterization
Develops lab associates for strong bench strength and cross functional support
Provides technical assistance to other groups
Provides assistance to global labs to assure consistent quality operation globally
Interfaces with other company and supplier representatives as required
Ensures adherence to all safety and environmental procedures and housekeeping standards
Manages the workflow of an analytical lab
Researches concepts of the analysis of novel materials and translate into laboratory methods