Manager- Controls Engineering

Job Description

First Solar may assign you a role that aligns best with your experience and skills.

Job Functions:

The Control Engineering Sustaining Manager oversees automation projects and provides daily operational support for existing production equipment.

Responsibilities include managing, planning, and supervising controls systems activities to support manufacturing operations, including:

Managing MES Controls Engineers/Supervisors and providing technical leadership.

Driving alignment and solution delivery for programs within the roadmap.

Directing automation solutions involving data systems, shop floor processes, and manufacturing software.

Ensuring timely response to automation issues, implementing measures to minimize downtime, and meeting Controls System KPIs.

Coordinating new equipment installation and upgrades, potentially involving external vendors.

Leading multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic, innovation-oriented environment.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical/Electronic, Instrumentation and Controls Engineering, or Mechatronic.

8+ years in manufacturing equipment controls engineering, with 3-6 years in team lead/supervisory roles or 2+ years in management.

Required Skills/Competencies:

Expertise in controls engineering techniques, troubleshooting electrical/electronic control systems.

Knowledge of industrial I/O networks, PLC-based controls, HMI applications, robotics, and motion controls.

Experience with programming languages (e.g., C#, VB.NET), relational databases, and OPC connectivity.

Strong project management, leadership, and communication skills.

Experience with AGV systems, Digital Twin Models, AI principles in manufacturing (desired).

Critical thinking and ability to attract, develop, and retain talent in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Manage Automation Technician Supervisors and Technicians for 24x7 service availability.

Lead goal planning, work assignments, performance assessments, and team development.

Collaborate with stakeholders to drive operational improvements and achieve KPIs.

Project manage controls scope within projects, ensuring SLAs and KPIs are met.

Coordinate new equipment installation, continuous improvement projects, and change requests.

Resolve operational issues related to control systems promptly and effectively.

Update and maintain manufacturing process tool electrical drawings.

Prepare data using SQL and JMP for presentations and SLA reporting.

Promote collaboration, critical thinking, innovation, and team building.

Lead professional training and career development of direct and indirect reports.

Handle conflicts, set priorities, and enforce safety and compliance standards.

Key Competencies: Assume responsibility for understanding client requirements and delivering solutions. Contribute to research goals and stay current with emerging technologies. Specify user/system interfaces and translate logical designs into physical designs. Design, code, test, correct, and document complex programs. Assist with safety assurance and maintain quality standards. Investigate and recommend sustainable components and subsystems. Define integration builds and conduct fault diagnosis for software problems. Install hardware/software and conduct tests, following established procedures. Use system management software to collect performance statistics and perform maintenance tasks. Identify and resolve network problems and implement preventive measures. Handle support requests and maintain records of actions taken.

Job description subject to change at any time.

First Solar is committed to accommodating applicants and employees in compliance with disability discrimination laws.

Job Location is New Iberia, LA, 70560, US.