Production Operator (Night Crew)

First Solar; Gaffney (SC); On-site; USD 20,195 - 27,813; Full time

Job summary

A leading solar technology company in Gaffney, South Carolina is seeking an entry-level Production Operator. This role involves safely operating equipment, performing preventive maintenance, and ensuring quality in the manufacturing of solar panels. No experience or diploma is required, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to start a career in renewable energy. The candidate should possess a safety mindset, teamwork skills, and basic problem-solving abilities. The estimated salary range is $14.66 to $20.19 per hour.

Qualifications

• No diploma or experience required.
• Must be able to work in a team environment.
• Basic problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to interface with machine control panels.

Responsibilities

• Operate specific equipment for solar panel manufacturing safely.
• Perform operational preventive maintenance procedures.
• Respond to machine alarms or non-standard conditions.
• Monitor process data and maintain process control.

Skills

Safety First mindset

Team collaboration

Basic problem-solving skills

Basic reading, writing, and math skills

Ability to use mobile systems and communication devices

Job description

Responsibilities

• The Production Operator is the entry‑level position for solar panel manufacturing at First Solar. The assigned area will be limited to our Finishing operation within the plant. The Production Operator is responsible for safe operation of specific equipment, materials, and processes to manufacture high‑quality photovoltaic solar modules at the required rate.
• The Production Operator performs operational preventive maintenance procedures, responds to machine alarms, performs basic quality control procedures, and interfaces with equipment and factory computer systems.
• Responds to tool alarms or non‑standard conditions per work instruction and escalates issues that cannot be fixed immediately.
• Collects data and provides reporting (written, oral, or via computer/devices) when requested.
• Provides communication with team members and leadership during shift changes.
• Ensures waste materials are discarded in their designated containers and containers properly sealed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• No diploma or experience required.
• Safety First mindset.
• Must be able to work in a team environment.
• Basic problem‑solving and critical thinking skills.
• Basic reading, writing, and math skills.
• Ability to use mobile systems, communication devices, and simple tool interfaces.
• Ability to interface with machine control panels, recognize quality, perform data analytics, troubleshoot issues, and problem‑solve.
• Adheres to all safety procedures and practices good housekeeping.
• Performs assigned job duties in accordance with all written work instructions and procedures.
• Works in a large manufacturing space, often without line‑of‑sight to direct supervision.
• Performs simple maintenance on equipment in the required time with hand tools and instrumentation.
• Safely operates and maintains tools and equipment used to manufacture solar modules at acceptable quality and throughput levels per control plan.
• Ensures proper inventory levels of materials and parts at point of use.
• Monitors process data and makes decisions based on procedures to maintain process control.
• Loads or unloads photovoltaic modules as needed to support line rate, isolate quality issues, or as otherwise instructed. Properly identifies modules removed from line.

Travel Requirements

• No regular travel is required outside the First Solar work site.
• If hired during plant start‑up, you may be expected to travel to other First Solar locations for training.

Estimated Salary Range

• 14.66 – 20.19

Physical Requirements

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Will climb stairs or steps 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 50 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
• Will push or pull up to 37 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
• 20/40 vision in both eyes (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 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 & arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) and a condition of employment and continued employment (may require little or no facial hair).

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 are a driving force in the success of our company.