Production Technician I

First Solar, Inc.; Perrysburg (OH); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar, Inc. is seeking a Production Technician I in Perrysburg, OH. This role focuses on safely operating specific equipment along the finishing submodule of manufacturing high-quality photovoltaic solar modules.

You’ll perform preventive maintenance, handle intermediate alarms, and support quality control while interfacing with factory systems. You will join a team in a high-volume production area, with opportunities to train, develop, and contribute to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Preference for Associates degree or certificates in a technical discipline.
• External candidates must have 1+ Year of Manufacturing experience.
• Internal candidates must have either 1+ Year of Manufacturing experience or 6 months in First Solar's process with development program completed.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to safety procedures and maintain good housekeeping.
• Safely operate and maintain tools and equipment to meet quality and productivity targets.
• Complete training within required timeframe.
• Provide on-the-job training to team members when requested.
• Perform duties according to training and supervisor directions.
• Perform equipment maintenance with hand tools and instrumentation as needed.
• Interface with equipment computers to monitor parameters and alarms.
• Monitor process data and make decisions to maintain process control.
• Escalate issues with clear communication and recommendations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to run tests and solve problems.
• Collect data and provide reports when requested.
• Maintain proper inventory levels for materials and in-process work.

Skills

Safety mindset

Quality mindset

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Communication

Basic math

Computer literacy

Machine control panels

Hand tools

Measurement tools

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associates degree or technical certificate preferred

Job description

The Production Technician I is an intermediate-level position in the middle submodule to the 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 interfacing with equipment and factory computer systems.

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:

• High School Diploma or GED
  • Preference for Associates degree or certificates in a technical discipline
• External candidates must have:
  • 1+ Year of Manufacturing experience
• Internal candidates must have either:
  • 1+ Year of Manufacturing experience
  • 6 months of experience working in any of First Solar's manufacturing process and have successfully completed their development program requirements for promotion from a Production Operator.
• 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

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Safety First mindset
• Maintain a high standard for 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-site to direct supervision

Essential Responsibilities:

• Adhere to all safety procedures and practice good housekeeping
• Safely operate and maintain tools and equipment to meet acceptable quality and productivity levels
• Complete training in the required timeframe
• Provide on-the-job training to team members when requested
• Perform 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
• Interface with equipment computers to monitor parameters and alarms
• Monitor process data & make decisions based on procedures to maintain process control
• Recognize conditions that require escalation and provide good communication on issues and recommendations
• Work with cross functional teams to run approved tests
• Collaborate with cross functional teams on problem solving
• Collect data and provide reporting (written, oral, or via computer/devices) when requested
• Provide good communication with team members and leadership during shift changes
• Ensure proper inventory levels of materials and in-process work is available for the next shift
• Ensure waste is discarded timely and appropriately
• Other duties as assigned

Reporting Relationships:

• No direct reports.

Travel:

• No regular travel is required outside the First Solar work site.

Estimated Salary Range:

• $18 - $22

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.

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.