Microsoft .Net Architect

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.

Position Overview:

Works closely with the USBG (Utility Systems Business Group) stakeholders and MIS relationship managers to understand business challenges and design, recommend, and implement best-in-class technical solutions utilizing First Solar's technology stack including Microsoft, PeopleSoft, SAP, and others. This role will focus on the Microsoft .NET / SQL Server stack, but will work closely with other architects to incorporate full-stack solutions as needed.

The architect role will be approximately 50% architecture / solutions design and 50% hands-on development. The successful candidate will have the ability to architect and develop across multiple technologies within the Microsoft stack including: Microsoft ASP.NET (C#), SQL Server (Stored Procedures, SSIS, SSRS Reports), Microsoft CRM 2011, Microsoft SharePoint 2010, WCF Services, ASMX Web Services, BizTalk 2009, K2/BlackPearl Workflows.

Responsibilities:

• Is able to communicate effectively with MIS technical team, relationship managers, and business stakeholders to architect best-in-class technical solutions.
• Responsible for designing, developing, estimating, unit testing and supporting technical solutions for First Solar's business applications and related systems, utilizing technologies such as ASP.NET, C#, SQL Server database objects, HTML/DHTML, etc.
• Can perform both technical / hands on development as well as solution, roadmapping, and communication skills with a good balance (approximately 50/50)
• Is comfortable working in an agile methodology (SCRUM) and is comfortable with "Sprint" concept including Product and Sprint backlogs, prioritization, 2-3 week development/test/promote cycles.
• Participate in business and technology planning sessions to anticipate future business/technology changes.
• Test and implement changes, document and train users on new processes while adhering to specific compliance measures (SDLC, Agile, Change Control & other compliance; such as SOX.)
• Responsible for reporting of the following related to project development and support issues: status, escalation, risk mitigation and follow-through until resolution.
• Need to be flexible working in various time zones: Eastern US, Pacific US, European & Asian as needed.
• Interface with other business departments and vendors.
• Exercise effective communication levels and fosters team building.
• Adheres to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Performs other assignments as required.

Qualifications:

Experience:

• 5+ years experience working in a variety of roles within a formal MIS/IT department with a focus on Enterprise-level Business Applications.
• 3-5+ years experience developing software using the Microsoft .NET Framework in an enterprise environment.
• 1+ years experience presenting application or system architecture recommendations including architecture overview, risks, and benefits as it aligns to landscape.
• 1+ years experience presenting to a mixed audience (technical and non-technical, and to various levels in the organization including CIO / VP's)
• 1+ years experience using Agile Scrum; scrum master certification strongly preferred.
• Experience developing using .NET Framework 4.0, Silverlight, Entity Framework, ASP.NET Membership Provider, LINQ, C# strongly desired.
• Proven experience in the following areas: Object Oriented development, Architecture patterns (including Factory, MVC), ASP.NET Web Development, SQL Server database development.
• 3+ years experience developing on at least one of the following: Custom ASP.NET Web Applications, SharePoint 2007/2010 development using object model, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Platform using SDK/plug ins, Microsoft SharePoint Platform.
• Familiarity with Service Oriented Architecture concepts a plus (Message Bus, Service Repositories, Message Routing, Canonical Message Formats)
• Demonstrated experience working with mature development practices required.
• Experience working with global team required.
• Experience integrating BizTalk with SAP a plus.
• Experience and/or ability to organize and collaborate with various resources (both internal and external) to drive resolution of issues or completion of small-to-large sized tasks/projects.
• Experience and/or ability to document business processes preferred.
• Experience and/or ability to work within a customer-focused, team-oriented environment preferred.
• Ability to share knowledge and train internal support team on designs implemented.
• Ability to maintain and develop up-to-date industry technology skills in both upcoming and current, production-orientated technologies highly desired.
• Ability to handle multiple issues/tasks/projects of varying size simultaneously required.
• Ability to communicate effectively on phone, via e-mail, and in presentations to critical design review board required.
• Demonstrated understanding of fundamental technologies: Operating System/Networking, Middleware, Security, Databases, etc. required.

Education:

• 4 year degree in IT, business administration required.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability and knowledge of application support
• Excellent communication and organization skills
• Proven interpersonal skills