Deposition Equipment Lead – Manufacturing Technician

First Solar Inc.; Kentucky; On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar Inc. is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Technician I to assist in installing and qualifying manufacturing equipment, troubleshoot daily issues, and drive improvements that boost throughput and product performance.

The role requires strong technical acumen, self-direction, and good communication in English. Eligible candidates can expect responsibilities spanning maintenance, data analysis, and collaboration with engineers and vendors, with travel to global locations as needed and

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent with 1 year experience as First Solar Manufacturing Engineering Technician I or 3 years First Solar Technical experience or 10 years technical experience in a Manufacturing setting.
• Associate’s degree in a technical discipline with at least 1 year as First Solar Manufacturing Engineering Technician I or 2 years First Solar Technical Experience or at least 3 years technical experience in a Manufacturing setting.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline with 0-2 year technical experience in a Manufacturing setting.
• Self-directed, ability to work with minimal supervision and lead project assignments.
• Fluent with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Good written and oral communications skills in English. Ability to communicate on a regular basis with all levels of associates.
• Ability to perform administrative as well as technical tasks.
• Ability to read equipment schematics, interpret mechanical drawings, and confirm accuracy to print.
• Able to use analytical skills to read charts and graphs to find trends. Develop ability to apply statistical methods/tools to analyze data and provide conclusions.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of facilities, mechanical components, and electrical/electronic systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency in troubleshooting and problem solving on equipment & sub-systems in the manufacturing line.
• Prior experience or demonstrated ability to assemble FS VTD distributor and related components. Prior FS strib builder or coater tech experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage the operation, calibration, and preventative maintenance of deposition process equipment and systems.
• Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends, holidays as required successfully completing projects and or resolving production equipment issues.
• Must be able to travel to First Solar or vendor locations globally on project assignments.
• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Provide excellent organization and time-management skills. Assist in solving production equipment problems for critical downs and systemic issues.
• Review data relating to daily tool performance and attend/present in factory performance meetings as needed. Responsible to proactively schedule needed repairs/rebuilds based on tool performance trending data.
• Maintain effective communication with production associates, manufacturing engineers, development engineers, and vendors as required. Interface directly with internal associates and supplier representatives, as required, to complete assigned projects.
• Demonstrate a complete understanding of area processes, equipment, and support systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency in training of production associates, maintenance, technicians, and new engineers on operations, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance of deposition process equipment and systems.
• Routinely develops work instructions or procedures from best-known methods. Develop and update internal documentation including assembly drawings, standard operating procedures, and equipment specifications.
• Responsible for day-to-day construction and inventory of production and test distributors, spare parts supply, for production and test components.
• Maintains data collection relating to distributor inventory, performance and associated product performance.
• Communicates distributor allocation to production and engineering groups for each coater. Ensuring distributor availability for all coaters. Works with Engineering to identify deviations and root causes of distributor malfunctions.
• Administrative responsibility for writing service report requests, warranty RMA requests. Will routinely submit CMS white papers for equipment projects and engineering changes.
• Coordinates downtime requests, work orders, warranty, and upgrade activities with facilities, operations, and vendors.
• Coordinates support of global deposition equipment and participates in standing meetings with associates globally.
• Troubleshoots intermittent, chronic, and long-term systemic issues on all deposition equipment to reduce & eliminate unplanned downtime.
• Will plan, oversee, and execute installations of approved engineering changes.
• Responsible for performing necessary maintenance as an individual contributor when necessary
• Responsible for identifying and recommending opportunities for cost savings.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the installation and qualification of manufacturing equipment, troubleshoot day-to-day manufacturing issues, identify and/or implement system improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield and product performance goals.

Job description

First Solar Inc. is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Technician I to assist in installing and qualifying manufacturing equipment, troubleshoot daily issues, and drive improvements that boost throughput and product performance.

The role requires strong technical acumen, self-direction, and good communication in English. Eligible candidates can expect responsibilities spanning maintenance, data analysis, and collaboration with engineers and vendors, with travel to global locations as needed and