REC Group – Senior Engineer / Principal Engineer – Metallization, Cell Technology

Responsible for the development and execution of the conventional or next generation metallization technologies by screen printing, inkjet printing, plating, coating, evapoand/or pattern transfer of metal contacts for the improvement of the conversion efficiency for crystalline silicon solar cells. The candidate is also expected to bring break-through ideas in cell processing. He/She should have technical knowledges on contact formations and contacts losses analysis for different metallization techniques. He/She should have chemistry background knowledge for screen printing paste components and formulations and understand screen components which is the current mainstream solar cell metallization technique. He/She will be working closely with other project leaders, R&D engineers and lab technicians in the process of experiments in the REC Cell Lab and production lines. He/She will collaborate closely across departments and external vendors or research institutes to bring research ideas and developments to production implementations. He/She will also be engaged in designing/specifying the equipment requirement for line upgrade and/or a capacity expansion. He/she is responsible to keep a close eye on external developments in his/her field of expertise that might be relevant to REC technology roadmap. He/She is expected to operate to the highest standards of safety and ethics, in accordance with the REC’s Code of Conduct.

• Tasks
  • Develop and evaluate conventional and novel metallization processes to enhance the efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells
  • Bring in the next generation metallization technologies for High-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells applications
  • Transfer of newly developed processes to production as part of the delivery of R&D projects
  • Perform characterizations of the experimental samples and data analysis.
  • Manage project and report project status. To overlook the full implementation of the improved process of the first pilot production run in accordance to REC project management guidelines i.e. PCRB and RPDM including writing of proper documentations at different stages of process development and technology changes (for example implication and interactions with other processes, lessons learnt) for the handover to Operation.

• Safety
  • The KPI is zero safety cases
  • Comply with the company’s safety protocol at all times
  • Participate in projects related to safety improvement

• Communication and Presentation
  • Ability to communicate and present at all levels of the organization
• Others

Perform other duties as assigned. Duties will vary according to the degree of difficulty and involvement of the specific targets set in the department.

• Keep up-to-date on new external developments on processes for silicon solar cells.
• Develop a network in Singapore and abroad with experts in the field
• Depending on the competencies developed, the engineer may be rotated to different departments

Qualifications

• Minimum Master degree in electrical engineering, materials engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics or chemistry
• Minimum 3 years experience for Senior level or 5 years experience for Principal level in an R&D or engineering department of Solar/Semiconductors/Electronics company
• Proven track record of implementing new processes into pilot and/or mass production
• Knowledge and hands-on experience with metallization processes and contacts formation with solder ribbons
• Expertise in metallization process and equipment e.g. printing, plating, sputtering
• Chemistry background knowledge for screen printing paste components and formulations and understand screen components which is the current mainstream solar cell metallization technique
• Experience with standard solar cell processes and characterization tools e.g SEM, FTIR, Ellipsometer, 4 point probe resistance measurement, Transmission Line Measurement
• Excellent team player
• Good presentation, interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to gather and review resources and select and synthesize data for reports and other written materials
• Ability to work in cross-department and cross-functional duties not limited to engineering jobs (includes project planning, liaise with different levels within organization to speed up development process). High exposure to fast pace manufacturing environment
• Ability to work with limited supervision and through extended hours when needed to meet business commitments
• High level of accuracy with special attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft office applications such as Word, Excel and powerpoint
• Readiness to travel to oversea research institutes and external vendor for experiments
• Proactive working attitude
• Working experience in Solar/Semiconductors/Electronics R&D is required
• Experience with advanced processes for high-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells
• Experience in using simulation software e.g. PV lighthouse, Quokka
• Proficient in Software statistical tools is an added advantage (Minitab, JMP, etc)