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

First Solar, Inc.; Gaffney (SC); On-site; USD 56,100 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar, Inc. is seeking a supervisor to oversee daily photovoltaic module production, ensuring quality and cost efficiency across a defined plant area. The role requires strong supervisory, communication, and organizational skills with a focus on safety.

The candidate will train manufacturing associates, maintain records in Solar Connect, and leverage internal software to track production while minimizing downtime. Travel and start-up experience may be required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Experience criteria include six specific First Solar-related roles or experiences.
• First Solar Supervisor/Temporary Supervisor experience.
• First Solar Team Lead /Temporary Team Lead experience.
• First Solar Production Technician II or Coater Technician II experience.
• Two years supervisory experience in a manufacturing production setting.
• Two years supervisory experience + six months of First Solar experience.
• Four years supervisory experience + two years in manufacturing production setting.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily production supervision of Photovoltaic modules in a cost-efficient manner.
• Coordinate on-the-job training of manufacturing associates.
• Maintain associate records in Solar Connect.
• Ensure safety procedures and 5S system compliance.
• Use internal manufacturing software for production tracking.
• Maintain Kronos timekeeping and inventory accuracy.
• Utilize Theory of Constraints (TOC) to maximize throughput.
• Collaborate with other departments to exceed customer expectations.

Skills

Communication skills

Supervisory skills

MS Office

Decision making

People skills

Organizational skills

Creative problem solving

Vacuum systems

Laser operations

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

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

Basic Job Functions

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%
• If hired during plant start up, you will be expected to travel to other First Solar locations for training.

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.