Product Specialist
First Solar, Inc.

First Solar is a leader in the development and manufacturing of thin film solar modules used in grid-connected solar power plants. Our high growth and position in the renewable energy industry offers outstanding opportunities to individuals seeking an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries for the 21st century. Our culture is one where teamwork, continuous improvement, achievement of results, and environmental responsibility are core values. We are seeking new associates that are motivated to contribute their talents to making cost effective solar energy an important part of the world’s energy mix. 

Position Summary   

As part of the Global Product Management Team, the Product Specialist will be responsible for managing product releases and market launches and for ensuring all required product related documentation, certifications, and field performance metrics are developed and maintained to meet the product positioning goals and business needs of the company. 

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and manage published module product documentation, ensuring all ratings, specifications, labels, and certifications accurately reflect current and new products.

• Manage the product release procedure for all new SKU’s and product series

• Manage the product certification activities for current and new products to meet the external requirements documented by the Product Manager and internal requirements driven by technology, reliability, materials sourcing, or plant expansion.

• Support the development, release, and control of procedures and work instructions for the Product Management team.

• Participate in cross-functional development teams to ensure on-time and on-target roll out of information systems used by the Product Management department.

• Create and present internal and external reports and application notes which position the product appropriately in the marketplace.

• Act as primary interface between plant manufacturing, reliability, development engineering and quality teams and the Product Management team.

• Develop and adhere to project plans, schedules and budgets

• Negotiation/coordination of work with contractors, test facilities & national labs for compliance testing and evaluation

• Provide technical/application support to customers & other company engineering or business development/marketing groups as required.

 EDUCATION  

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business Management (minimum)

 EXPERIENCE 

• Minimum 5-10 years of relevant work experience in a results oriented position.

• Experience in project/program management.

• Experience in managing product launch cycles and new product development

• Experience with Document Control principles and Quality Management Systems

• Experience with domestic and international certification and testing processes (a plus)

• Proven ability to communicate technical content to a general audience both verbally and in writing

SKILLS