Production Technician I (Night Crew)

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

Job summary

A leading solar energy company located in South Carolina is seeking a Production Technician I. In this role, you will safely operate equipment and manage processes to manufacture high-quality photovoltaic solar modules. Ideal candidates will have at least a high school diploma and some manufacturing experience. Responsibilities include performing maintenance, adhering to safety procedures, and providing training to team members. A commitment to teamwork and a Safety First mindset are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• 1+ Year of Manufacturing experience.
• Experiences in warehousing, textile, agriculture, or material inspection may substitute for direct manufacturing experience.
• Honorable military experience in electrical, mechanical, or chemical applications.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate and maintain tools and equipment to meet quality levels.
• Provide on-the-job training to team members when requested.
• Monitor process data and maintain process control.

Skills

Safety First mindset

Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Basic Math skills

Good written and oral communication skills

Ability to use mobile systems and simple hand tools

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree or certificate in a technical discipline (preferred)

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 and 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.

Required Skills/Competencies

• 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

Essential Responsibilities

• 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.
• Performs 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.
• Job description subject to change at any time.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

• No direct reports.

Travel

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

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 are a driving force in the success of our company.