Supervisor- Technical I USA (B Crew/PM Shift)

First Solar, Inc.; New Iberia (LA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar is seeking a Supervisor to oversee daily production of Photovoltaic modules in a cost-efficient and quality-focused manner. The role emphasizes safety, 5S housekeeping, and hands-on training of manufacturing staff in a dynamic plant environment.

The candidate should have a High School Diploma or GED and relevant supervisory experience in manufacturing, with strong communication and organizational skills required for success.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required and capable of meeting one of the listed criteria.
• Experience in supervisory roles within manufacturing environments is preferred.
• Proven ability to communicate, plan, and train manufacturing staff.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise daily production of photovoltaic modules in designated area.
• Ensure safety procedures and 5S housekeeping standards are followed.
• Coordinate on‑the‑job training and identify opportunities for team development.
• Maintain associate records and use manufacturing software for tracking.
• Monitor cycle times, eliminate downtime, and collaborate with other departments.
• Conduct performance appraisals and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Communication

Supervisory skills

MS Office

Decision making

People skills

Organizational skills

Creative thinking

Coater area knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Kronos system

Solar Connect

5S system

Job description

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

Basic Job Functions:

1. Supervises the daily production of Photovoltaic modules in accordance with required quality standards and in a cost-efficient manner.

Education/Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Candidate must meet one (1) of the six (6) criteria below:

1. First Solar Supervisor/Temporary Supervisor experience
2. First Solar Team Lead /Temporary Team Lead experience
3. First Solar Production Technician II or Coater Technician II experience
4. Two (2) years supervisory experience in a manufacturing production setting, warehouse, textile, agricultural or material inspection capacity
5. Two (2) years supervisory experience + six (6) months of First Solar experience
6. Four (4) years supervisory experience + two (2) years of experience in a manufacturing production setting, warehouse, textile, agricultural or material inspection capacity.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Effective communication and supervisory skills.
• Efficient Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Skills.
• Proven decision-making skills.
• Solid people skills and a positive, outgoing attitude.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• The ideal candidate should have the ability to think outside the box and to develop unique and timely solutions.
• If assigned to coater area: knowledge of vacuum systems and laser operations.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Support all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards, including our 5S system.
• Directly supervises the daily production of Photovoltaic modules in accordance with required quality standards and in a cost‑efficient manner in at least one specific area of the plant.
• Coordinate on‑the‑job training of manufacturing associates.
• Identify training opportunities to develop and maintain a highly motivated and capable team.
• Maintain all associate records in Solar Connect.
• Effective use of internal manufacturing software for production tracking.
• Maintain accurate time keeping for manufacturing associates in the Kronos system.
• Maintains product inventory accuracy.
• Utilize Theory of Constraints (TOC) methodology to maximize throughput.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities/teams.
• Effectively interfaces with other departments.
• Support efforts to consistently exceed customer expectations.
• Coordinate with Manufacturing Specialist and other supervisors on day‑to‑day issues.
• Evaluate and monitor manufacturing processes ensuring cycle time is being met.
• Responsible for eliminating downtime constraints in assigned area (e.g.: find root cause and resolve the issue, effectively utilize support teams to improve quality and production).
• Monitor and maintain training guides and track training progress of team.
• Conduct performance appraisals.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position will have direct reports.

Travel:

• 5% - 10%

Estimated Salary Range:

• 56,100 - 80,000, Annually

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.