Production Operator USA

First Solar Inc.; Gaffney (SC); On-site; USD 24,796 - 28,929; Full time

Job summary

First Solar Inc. in Gaffney, SC is seeking a Production Technician I to operate manufacturing equipment and manage materials for solar module production. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and cross-functional collaboration on the shop floor.

You will perform basic maintenance, monitor process parameters, and use computer systems to track production data, while contributing to continuous improvement and teamwork across shifts.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or technical certificate preferred.
• 1+ year of manufacturing experience required.
• Internal candidates: 60 internal manufacturing credits and supervisor endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Operate specific equipment to safely manufacture photovoltaic modules at target rate.
• Perform preventative maintenance and respond to intermediate alarms.
• Conduct basic quality checks and document results.
• Interface with machine control panels and factory computer systems.
• Provide on-the-job training and assist team leads as needed.

Skills

Safety mindset

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Basic math

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree preferred

Tools

Machine Control Panels

Mobile devices

Industrial instrumentation

Job description

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

Basic Job Functions:

• The Production Technician I is an intermediate level position in the middle submodule to finishing end of the manufacturing process. The core function is to safely operate specific equipment, manage material and processes to manufacture high-quality, photovoltaic solar modules at the required rate. Additionally, Technician I’s will be responsible for conducting operational preventative maintenance procedures, addressing intermediate-level alarms, performing basic quality control procedures, and interface with equipment and factory computer systems.

Education/Experience:

• External candidates must have:
  • High School Diploma or GED.
    • Preference for Associate degree or certificate in a technical discipline.
  • 1+ Year of Manufacturing experience.
    • Experiences that will be considered as a substitute for direct manufacturing experience:
    • Warehousing, textile, agriculture, or material inspection.
    • Honorable military experience in an electrical, mechanical and/or chemical industrial application.
• Internal candidates must have:
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Achieved 60 credits of internal manufacturing-related training.
  • Endorsement from direct supervisor for a promotion.
  • A positive rating from direct supervisor related to Safety, Performance, Dependability and Collaboration.
• Safety First mindset.
• Maintain a high standard of quality.
• Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Basic Math skills appropriate to understand typical manufacturing production metrics.
• Must be able to work in a team environment.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Fundamental knowledge to work with different computer applications.
• Interface with Machine Control Panels.
• Ability to use mobile systems, communication devices, and simple tool interfaces.
• Ability to use simple hand tools and measurement tools.
• Perform light mechanical maintenance activities utilizing hand tools and measurement devices.
• Work in a large area of manufacturing space, often without line-of-sight of direct supervision.
• Adheres to all safety procedures and practice good housekeeping.
• Safely operates and maintains tools and equipment to meet acceptable quality and productivity levels.
• Completes training in the required timeframe.
• Provides on-the-job training to team members when requested.
• Performs assigned job duties in accordance with training and direction provided by team leads and supervisor.
• Perform maintenance on equipment, in the required time, with hand tools and instrumentation.
• Interfaces with equipment computers to monitor parameters and alarms.
• Monitors process data & makes decisions based on procedures to maintain process control.
• Recognizes conditions that require escalation and provides good communication on issues and recommendations.
• Works with cross functional teams to run approved tests.
• Collaborates with cross functional teams on problem solving.
• Collects data and provides reporting (written, oral, or via computer/devices) when requested.
• Provides good communication with team members and leadership during shift changes.
• Ensures proper inventory levels of materials and in-process work is available for the next shift.
• Ensures waste is discarded timely and appropriately.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position reports to the Technical Supervisor.
• This position will not have direct reports.

Travel:

0% - 5% (On occasion/as needed for training, etc.)

Estimated Salary Range:

• $18.00 Hourly.

US 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 &/or arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) and a condition of employment and continued employment (may require little or no facial hair).
• Any position with an essential function of PIV operation requires 20/40 vision in each eye separately and both eyes (with or without correction), the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green and peripheral vision >70 degrees.

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.

Job Info

• Job Identification 1025178
• Job Category Plant MFG Operations
• Locations 121 Logistics Drive, Gaffney, SC, 29341, US