What Solar Industry Employers Look For
With the promise of new jobs being created in the solar industry many people are wondering what skills they will need. The top businesses in the industry include First Solar, Solar City, SunPower and SolarWorld. These employers are primarily looking for engineers that have experience and extensive education. If you want to be a candidate for these jobs here are just a few of the skills you’ll need.
Education
Education is a definite requirement, but it needs to be a strong educational background. Most companies will be looking for people that have completed programs from two to four years and earned their Associates or Bachelors Degree in several fields. These fields include engineering, automation, manufacturing, chemistry, microelectronics, phusics and materials science. If a management position is open, it’s also suggested that you have a degree in Business Administration and Supply Chain Management. The more senior positions with these companies will prefer you have a Masters or Ph D. as well.
Experience
Because the positions in the solar industry are so complex they require a lot of experience in the solar industry or other fields that are related. If you have at least 1 or 2 years of experience in manufacturing, high volume maintenance, research or development, you should start out at an entry level position, as a technician or in IT support.
Someone with 3 to 5 years of experience, should pursue program and project manager positions and project engineering. You will also need specific technical skills such as production standards, semiconductor characterization and other technology experience. If you’re career has been in PV design, SAP applications, or Wafer Slicing, there is a wide range of jobs for your specific skill set.
Applications
Most companies will require that you have a knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications, but more and more companies are requiring a knowledge for Microsoft Project. Other skills are associated with manufacturing and maintaining ERP systems, statistical data analysis, automation systems, Six Sigma methodology and AutoCAD.
Other Requirements and Certifications
Some type of certification is desired but may not be required depending on which company you apply with and the position you apply for. These certifications can include PHR, PE, CEBS and MCSE. Certain positions will require that you have proff of Black Belt or Six Sigma Green Belt training. Almost any job will require that you can lift a minimum of 40 pounds, work long hours standing most of the time and be able to travel. Other attributes are the ability to work efficiently and quickly, be highly skilled in prioritization skills, have an entrepreneurial attitude and take the initiative.