Our high growth and leadership position in the renewable energy business offers outstanding opportunities to individuals seeking an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries for the 21st century. First Solar is a leader in the development and manufacturing of thin film solar modules used in grid-connected solar power plants, as well as a provider of complete solar generation solutions for U.S. utilities. Our culture is one where teamwork, continuous improvement, achievement of results, and environmental responsibility are core values. We are seeking new associates who are motivated to contribute their talents to making cost-effective solar energy an important part of the world’s energy mix.
Primary Job Functions:
Basic Job Functions:
The Data Analyst is responsible for analyzing the performance of First Solar photovoltaic products and systems. He/she will achieve results through development and execution of analysis and test plans, and ensuring quality of data collection, analysis and reporting.
The successful candidate will be able to adapt quickly to new data and analytical requests from across the First Solar organization. This may include engineering statistical analysis, contract analysis, policy analysis and project management tasks. The Data Analyst will also be responsible for generating detailed energy predictions for prospective and operating sites.
The candidate will perform meteorological data analysis, statistical analysis, energy-prediction data analysis, and make recommendations for PV power plant design in support of their work. He/she will be capable of digging deep into the data to solve business problems and communicate results to both a technical and non-technical audience.
Experience:
1-3 years in physical/technical data analysis
1-3 years in a Photovoltaics, Power Engineering, or oter renewable energy field
Education:
Advanced degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Applied Statistics, Engineering, or Physics required.
Required Skills:
Excellent communication and organization skills
Proven interpersonal skills
Strong self direction, initiative, and ability to prioritize multiple tasks from various requestors
The following are essential requirements of the successful candidate:
Demonstrated skill in statistical data analysis;
Proficient in MS Office applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
Highly desirable qualities of the successful candidate:
Familiarity with meteorological data resources and analytical methods
Familiarity with power engineering
Proficient with using SQL, Python for data analysis.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Analyze long-term performance of First Solar technology in expected deployment environments, and evaluate the introduction and feasibility of new product designs.
Use analytics tools such as SQL, Python, and Jmp for data analysis.
Manage technicians, consultants, or third-party vendors to assist in data analysis, field work, and the development of custom instrumentation and test equipment
Develop methods to determine the statistical level of certainty around the quantity and quality of solar insulation at various project sites. This will include familiarity with short term and long term meteorological data sets and understanding industry accepted methods for interpolating data.
Produce and manage the production of energy estimate and associated sensitivity analyses for project development sites.
Validate model predictions with measured data from plant monitoring systems and field test results.
Develop and use analytical techniques to validate data collected from plant monitoring systems and field-testing.
Respond to ad hoc requests for data from other functions for data analysis
Support methods for verifying the capacity of installed solar PV systems and required customer reported performance metrics.
Initiate, coordinate, and define requirements for meteorological station components for the collection of environmental data at remote sites. Develop expertise in meteorological sensors and calibration.
Physical Requirements:
Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift
Will climb stairs on an occasional basis
Will lift, push or pull up to 27 pounds on an occasional basis
Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis
20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required
Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures
May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis
May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis
Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards)
All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair)
