Maintenance Operations Lead

First Solar; Gaffney (SC); On-site; USD 80,700 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar is seeking an experienced maintenance leader to plan, supervise, and optimize daily work for maintenance personnel in a manufacturing setting. You will train reports, direct hourly associates, contractors, and vendors, and ensure adherence to First Solar’s standards and policies.

The role emphasizes daily equipment uptime, on-call coverage, and a strong focus on CMMS/Maximo compliance, safety, and cost-effective maintenance planning.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in an engineering, mechanical or electrical field is required or desirable.
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, mechanical or electrical field is desired or preferred.
• 10 years maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment is required.
• 3+ years of leadership experience or 2+ years of First Solar Maintenance Team Lead or Tech 3 experience.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for daily uptime of equipment and escalation procedures as needed.
• 1st echelon on-call coverage for equipment and personnel issues.
• Schedule daily work assignments and complete maintenance planning.
• Develop and train maintenance technicians on the job.
• Handle disciplinary actions with associates as needed.
• Oversee on-site service and repair of process equipment and parts inventory.
• Manage daily workload changes to meet department needs.
• Ensure CMMS/Maximo compliance (closing work orders, PMs, audits).
• Ensure production and support equipment availability and safety compliance.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and workforce planning.

Skills

Electrical knowledge

Mechanical knowledge

CMMS experience

MS Office

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication skills

Team supervision

Education

Associate degree in engineering/mechanical/electrical field

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/mechanical/electrical field

Tools

CMMS (Maximo)

Microsoft Office

Job description

First Solar is seeking an experienced maintenance leader to plan, supervise, and optimize daily work for maintenance personnel in a manufacturing setting. You will train reports, direct hourly associates, contractors, and vendors, and ensure adherence to First Solar’s standards and policies.

The role emphasizes daily equipment uptime, on-call coverage, and a strong focus on CMMS/Maximo compliance, safety, and cost-effective maintenance planning.