Electrical and Controls/Automation Technician (All Crews/All Plants)

First Solar, Inc.; Perrysburg (OH); On-site; USD 32,373 - 42,705; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses - Yearly

Great Benefits package on day 1

401k with company match

Job summary

First Solar, Inc. is seeking a Controls Technician to support installation and qualification of manufacturing equipment, troubleshoot daily issues, and implement improvements to throughput, yield, and product performance.

The role emphasizes hands-on maintenance of electrical control systems, software updates, and collaboration with IT and maintenance teams to ensure safe operations and optimal equipment performance.

Qualifications

• Requires 3–7 years electrical/electronic/controls experience.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting on a manufacturing line.
• Ability to read prints and suggest modifications.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair and maintain electrical control systems for manufacturing equipment.
• Test equipment and control functions per First Solar standards.
• Download software changes and maintain Base Plant databases.
• Assist IT with setup and testing of PLC communications.
• Document issues and propose continuous improvement solutions.
• Interface with company and supplier representatives.

Skills

Independent work

Troubleshooting

CMMS

Robotics

Electrical systems

Reading prints

Education

Associate degree in Electrical/Robotics/Electronic Engineering

5+ years related experience (no degree)

Journeyman's Card (preferred)

Tools

CMMS

Job description

What's great about First Solar

• Clean, bright, climate-controlled work environment
• 12-hour crew schedule with 10 hours of built-in overtime each paycheck
• Attractive 7-day work schedule over a 2-week period (50% days off)
• Career Progression Tracks for technical and leadership roles
• Onsite amenities which include a fitness center and cafe
• Bonuses - Yearly
• 401k with company match
• Great Benefits package on day 1

The Controls Technician will 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.

Electrical and Controls Technician Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Essential Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, problem-solve, and maintain all electrical control problems for all manufacturing equipment.
• Test all equipment and control functions of new controls established or designated by First Solar Controls dept.
• Download new software changes/upgrades specified by the Controls Dept. and maintain current software databases for Base Plant
• Assist IT Dept. with the set up, installation, and testing of all communication devices for PLC's.
• Identify, research, prepare and present solutions to control problems and continuous improvement projects
• Document and follow-up problems relating to controls
• Provide all written documentation for indication of proper testing on all projects submitted from the Controls Dept.
• Assist new equipment commissioning technicians to verify that their testing of control systems is done correctly and efficiently completed
• Research, prepare and present solutions to problems
• Responsible to interface with other Company and Supplier Representatives
• Maintains effective communications levels and fosters team work
• Ensures adherence to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards
• Interfaces effectively and cooperatively with other Departments
• Performs predictive and preventative maintenance on any or all production equipment
• Develops and implements new electrical preventative maintenance tasks, procedures, and schedules
• Perform troubleshooting of robotic, electrical and mechanical systems.
• Proficient in Maximo reporting and parts search
• Perform additional tasks as assigned, from the Maintenance Supervisor or Maintenance Lead.

Basic Job Functions

• Implements, tests, and maintains all manufacturing equipment controls
• Performs as directed, all necessary maintenance of equipment in a timely and cost efficient manner
• 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.

Experience

• 3-7 years of electrical/electronic/controls experience

Education

• Associate Degree in Electrical, Robotics, or Electronic Engineering (preferred)
• No Degree - Must have 5+ years of verifiable experience in a related field, (i.e. Semiconductors, Automotive etc.)
• Journeyman's Card from an accredited apprenticeship program is preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks and set priorities required
• Proficient in CMMS.
• Demonstrated proficiency in troubleshooting and problem-solving on the manufacturing line.
• Demonstrated proficiency in robotics, electrical/electronic, mechanical and vacuum systems.
• Ability to read prints and suggest modifications as required.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to Maintenance Supervisor

Travel

• May travel between multiple plants within close proximity

Estimated Salary Range

• $23.50-$31.00

US Physical Requirements

• Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day
• Will climb stairs on an occasional basis
• Will exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push or pull on a seldom basis
• Will lift, push or pull up to 27 pounds on a frequent basisRequired to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects repetitively 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)

Additional Information

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.