Supervisor- Technical II USA (C Crew)

First Solar; Trinity (AL); On-site; USD 62,500 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar is seeking a Supervisor to oversee daily PV module production, ensuring quality and cost efficiency across multiple plant areas. You will lead continuous improvement efforts and mentor Supervisor I staff to enhance supervisory skills.

The role requires relevant supervisory experience in manufacturing, strong problem solving, and solid communication. Travel up to 10% and safety compliance are part of the job.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Candidate must meet one of the following: one year supervisory experience; four years in a manufacturing production setting; or six years with two years in production or related capacity.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise daily production of photovoltaic modules in multiple plant areas.
• Lead, manage and participate in continuous improvement activities/teams.
• Train and mentor supervisor associates.
• Control costs to maintain budget accuracy.
• Monitor WIP and coordinate across manufacturing units.

Skills

Electrical experience

Mechanical experience

Chemical industrial knowledge

Continuous improvement tools

Communication skills

Supervisory skills

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Decision making

People management

Organizational planning

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

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. Train and mentor Supervisor I associates to maximize their supervisory skills.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Candidate must meet one of the following:

• One year First Solar supervisory experience
• Four years supervisory experience in a manufacturing production setting, warehouse, textile, agricultural or material inspection capacity
• Six years supervisory experience plus two years of experience in a manufacturing production setting, warehouse, textile, agricultural or material inspection capacity

Required Skills/Competencies

• Experience in electrical, mechanical, and chemical industrial applications
• Experience and working knowledge of continuous improvement tools.
• 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.
• Ability to think outside the box and develop unique and timely solutions.
• If assigned to coater area: knowledge of vacuum systems and laser operations.

Essential Responsibilities

• Directly supervise the daily production of Photovoltaic modules in accordance with required quality standards and in a cost‑efficient manner in multiple areas of the plant.
• Lead, manage and participate in continuous improvement activities/teams.
• Assume delegate responsibilities for Shift Manager as required.
• Train and mentor Supervisor I associates.
• Control costs to maintain budget accuracy.
• Monitor and coordinate Work In Process (WIP) optimization between manufacturing units for each process.
• Maintain training matrix in SolarConnect in coordination with Manufacturing Supervisors I and Manufacturing Specialist.
• Support all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards, including our 5S system.
• Coordinate on‑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.
• Use internal manufacturing software for production tracking.
• Maintain accurate time keeping for manufacturing associates in the Kronos system.
• Maintain product inventory accuracy.
• Utilize Theory of Constraints (TOC) methodology to maximize throughput.
• Interface effectively 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.
• Eliminate 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.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports directly to the Manager, Shift.

Travel

• Up to 10% of global travel is expected.

Estimated Salary Range

• $62,500 – $89,000

US Physical Requirements

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Will climb stairs occasionally.
• Will exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push or pull on a seldom basis.
• Will lift, push, or pull up to 27 pounds 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, is required.
• Must comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
• May stoop, kneel, or bend occasionally.

Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to steel‑toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards).

All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time; the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires 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 is a driving force in the success of our company.