Lead- Technical Group Semiconductor USA

First Solar, Inc.; New Iberia (LA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar, Inc. is seeking a shift engineering/maintenance supervisor to lead a team responsible for the repair and process control of semiconductor equipment. The role focuses on safety, quality, yield, and throughput, with a cost-efficient approach.

Candidates should have supervisory experience in manufacturing or engineering, with strong electrical/mechanical knowledge and expertise in vacuum, thermal, laser, and chemical processes. Lean Six Sigma and SPC skills are highly valued.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with supervisory experience in manufacturing, maintenance, or engineering.
• Additional technical experience may supplement education.
• Engineering degree holders with no experience are eligible.
• Experience with vacuum, thermal, laser, electrical and mechanical systems is preferred.
• Continuous improvement project involvement is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Adheres to safety procedures and 5S standards.
• Oversees shift uptime and process control in the semiconductor area.
• Supervises on-site service, troubleshooting and repair of semiconductor equipment.
• Acts as first escalation level for semiconductor tools (process and repair).
• Plans daily work assignments for engineering and maintenance staff.
• Ensures production readiness and adherence to process objectives.
• Maintains target delivery for pitstops, changes, wetline and laser PMs.
• Drives corrective actions based on yield and performance issues.
• Communicates policies and directs direct reports.
• Trains and develops staff and handles employee relations.

Skills

Electrical & Mechanical

Vacuum systems

Thermal systems

Laser operations

Wet chemistry

Manufacturing processes

Leadership

Problem solving

5-Why / Fishbone

SPC / JMP experience

Lean Six Sigma Green belt

EHS / Safety knowledge

Education

HS diploma + 3 years supervisory experience

HS diploma + 5 years technical experience

Associate/Bachelor in engineering/technical field

Experience with vacuum/thermal/laser systems

Tools

Maximo/CMMS

SAP

Oracle

MS Office

HMI interfaces

Job description

Basic Job Functions

Supervises and leads assigned shift engineering and shift maintenance technicians in the repair and process control of semiconductor equipment to meet shift goals in terms of Safety, Quality, Yield, and Throughput, in a cost-efficient manner.

Education/Experience

• High school diploma or GED plus 3 years of supervisory experience with 2 years technical work experience in manufacturing, maintenance, or engineering OR
• High school diploma or GED plus 5 years of technical experience at First Solar OR
• Associates or bachelor's degree in engineering, mechanical or electrical field with no experience.
• Experience in vacuum system, thermal, laser systems, electrical, mechanical, and chemical industrial applications is preferred.
• Managed or participated in continuous improvement projects is preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Electrical and Mechanical knowledge are required.
• Knowledge of Vacuum and Thermal systems, Laser operations, and Wet Chemistry operation are desired.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, engineering controls, and equipment experience is preferred.
• Excellent process and equipment troubleshooting and structural problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Possess strong leadership, interpersonal skills, analytic skills, and ability to lead a flexible workforce.
• Excellent organizational, supervisory, decision-making, and planning skills.
• Proven ability to manage production associates effectively in terms of leading, supervising, coaching, training, and developing direct reports.
• Knowledgeable in structural problem solving and analysis such as 5-Why Analysis, Fishbone diagram and 7-Steps.
• Understands and can apply Statistical Data Analysis and Statistical Process Control (SPC), structural problem- solving tools (such as DMAIC).
• Demonstrate ability to analyze engineering and statistical data, driven corrective/ improvement action accordingly. JMP experience a plus.
• Preferred certified Lean Six Sigma Green belt.
• Good knowledge on EHS/Safety and Quality systems (ISO14001/ ISO9001/ ISO4500/ OSHA).
• Familiarity with Asset Management and Maintenance applications required. Maximo/CMMS, SAP, or Oracle preferred.
• Basic knowledge to work with different computer/ devices applications e.g., Mobile systems, Communication devices, Interface with Machine Control Panels and HMI interface.
• Experience with LOTO procedures, Mechanical and Electrical and stored energy hazards with good awareness of Control of Hazardous Energies.
• Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs and analysis software.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.

Essential Responsibilities

• Adheres to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards, including our 5S system.
• Responsible for the assigned shift uptime and process control within the semiconductor area, following escalation procedures as needed for support.
• Supervises on-site service, trouble shooting and repairing of semiconductor process equipment and ensure good return-to-production (RTP) buy off prior to production run.
• Act a 1st level of escalation for semiconductor tools (process and repair)
• Plans and supervises the scheduling of daily work assignments of all engineering and maintenance technicians assigned to semiconductor area on respective shift.
• Assures the process of record is executed and production readiness is maintained with production and process technical objectives and events are met.
• Ensures the semiconductor activities (pitstops, target changes, wetline and laser PM's, etc.) are performed to effectively with the highest level of quality.
• Ensure all semiconductor processes are running on target as defined by the Process Control Plan.
• Support operations, engineering, and integration teams in identifying, assigning cause and implementing improvement actions on yield excursions and performance issues.
• Ensure team is responding to SPC alarms and bring processes back into control.
• Provides direction to shift engineering, shift maintenance, onsite contractors, and vendors to ensure and enforce First Solar's standards and policies. This includes ensuring Environmental Health and Safety requirements are met.
• Responsible for communicating systems and policies to direct reports.
• Responsible for working with the appropriate departments to handle employee relations issues.
• Responsible for training and developing direct reports and setting objectives.
• Serves as a liaison for the related functional department for continuous improvement in the manufacturing operation.
• Coordinate production startups, shutdowns, and changeovers within semiconductor area.
• Effective use of internal application software for process and maintenance tracking.
• Interfaces with other departments and manages timely completion ETA/projects as required.
• Utilizes structural problem-solving methodology to troubleshoot issues.
• Responsible for maintenance system compliance including closing out work orders, handheld scanner compliance, job plan audits and keeping track of process tool correct E10 status.
• Manage time keeping of all assigned shift engineering and maintenance technicians, responsible for shift schedule and coordinate with Human Resources for appropriate staffing levels.
• Responsible for handling disciplinary actions with the associate involved.
• Responsible for effective communication levels and foster team building.
• Oversee the responsibilities of engineering and maintenance technicians to manage and dispose properly the hazardous waste generated from routine, troubleshooting/ maintenance jobs performed in the either building.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships

• This position reports to the Shift Manager - Semiconductor.
• This position will have direct reports.

Travel

• No travel is required.

Estimated Salary Range

• $80,700-$115,000

US Physical Requirements

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Will climb stairs on a frequent basis.
• Will lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instruction.
• Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Will push or pull up to 27 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
• Will push or pull up to 10 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
• Required 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) and the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green is required.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
• May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
• Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including, but not limited to; steel toed shoes, cut resistant gloves, jackets, aprons &/or arm guards, safety glasses, hearing protection).

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.

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 are a driving force in the success of our company.