Team Lead- Production USA (A Crew)

First Solar; Trinity (AL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar Inc. is seeking a Team Lead- Production to oversee manufacturing activities, provide on-the-job training, and lead a team of Associates.

The role combines technician responsibilities with leadership duties to ensure high-quality photovoltaic modules are produced efficiently. Ideal candidates will have a safety-first mindset, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to guide peers and maintain open communication with leadership.

Qualifications

• Safety-first mindset and strict adherence to quality standards.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems using SPC concepts.
• Ability to lead teams and provide on-the-job training.
• Effective 1:1 and group communication with peers and leadership.
• Interface with equipment computers and machine control panels.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to safety procedures and maintain housekeeping.
• Safely operate and maintain tools and equipment to meet quality/productivity targets.
• Provide on-the-job training and mentor team members.
• Lead team on job assignments and resolve issues with supervisor guidance.
• Monitor process data (SPC) and maintain process control.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to run tests and solve problems.
• Ensure inventory levels and timely waste disposal.

Skills

Safety mindset

Quality standard

Troubleshooting

SPC knowledge

Teamwork / collaboration

Leadership / training

Communication (oral/written)

Machine control panels

Mobile devices / interfaces

Hand tools / measurement tools

Forklift certification

Large manufacturing space adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associates degree or technical certificates

Tools

Machine control / PLC interfaces

Job description

Job Description

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

Basic Job Functions

The Team Lead- Production is a combination of the Production Technician (level III) and Team Leader role within production operations. The position is for existing experienced First Solar Associates with a sound technical competence and demonstrated ability to collaborate and lead others. The position is for Associates aspiring to utilize their skills to help other Associates be successful in their training and in fulfilling their job responsibilities. A Production Team Lead is considered a good step toward potentially becoming a Production Supervisor. In the role a Team Lead will at times fulfil supervisory level responsibilities and will be required to carry a company provided communication device. Team leads may also be required to participant in training during off crew days. The position retains the responsibilities found with Production Tech II level positions (Safe operation of equipment, manage material and processes, perform maintenance, quality control, data analytics and problem solving) all in order to manufacture high-quality, photovoltaic solar modules at the required rate.

Education/Experience

• High School Diploma or GED:
• Preference for Associates degree or certificates in a technical discipline.

Internal experience

• 6 months experience as at least a Production Technician I in any of the production area Front to Back End.
• Production Supervisor recommendation is required.

External experience

• 1-year previous Team Lead or Supervisory experience.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Safety First mindset.
• Maintain a high standard of Quality.
• Good troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Math skills appropriate to understand and apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) concepts.
• Able to foster teamwork through collaboration with peers, leadership, and other functional groups.
• Able to lead teams and provide on-the-job training.
• Effective communication (oral and written) 1:1 and in-group setting with peers and leadership.
• 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 mechanical maintenance activities utilizing hand tools and measurement devices.
• Must be able to obtain/maintain forklift certification and/or walk behind forklift certification, if requested.
• Work in a large area of manufacturing space, often without line-of-site to direct supervision.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Able to foster teamwork through collaboration with peers, leadership, and other functional groups.
• Able to lead teams and provide on-the-job training.
• Effective communication (oral and written) 1:1 and in-group setting with peers and leadership.

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 their training in the required timeframe.
• Provide on-the-job training or coordinate with others to train team members and validate successful completion.
• Must be able to lead their team on job assignments and support them on resolving issues.
• Perform assigned job duties in accordance with training and direction provided by supervisor.
• Perform maintenance on equipment, in the required time, with hand tools and instrumentation.
• Operate forklift with proper training and certification (when required).
• Interface with equipment computers to monitor parameters and alarms.
• Monitor process data (including use of SPC) & 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

• This position reports to the Manufacturing Supervisor.
• No direct reports.

Travel

• No regular travel is required beyond the First Solar Ohio Factories.

Estimated Salary Range

$21.30-$29.81/ hour

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 is a driving force in the success of our company.