Team Lead- Production USA (D Crew/PM Shift)

First Solar Inc.; Gaffney, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar Inc. in Gaffney, SC is hiring a Team Lead- Production to supervise and mentor production technicians, maintain safe equipment operation, and achieve quality and throughput targets.

The role blends hands-on manufacturing with people leadership, requiring strong problem solving, clear communication, and the ability to train others. It reports to the Manufacturing Supervisor and offers opportunities for growth toward supervision.

Qualifications

• Education preferred in technical discipline as indicated.
• Internal experience as a Production Technician I plus Supervisor recommendation.
• External Team Lead or Supervisory experience is valued.
• Safety mindset and quality focus are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor production technicians on shift.
• Ensure safe operation of equipment and adherence to quality standards.
• Collaborate with peers and leadership to resolve issues and train team members.
• Monitor process data and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Troubleshooting

Problem Solving

Education

Associates degree or technical certificate preferred

6 months as Production Technician I (internal)

1-year Team Lead or Supervisory experience (external)

Tools

Forklift certification

Job description

Gaffney, SC, United States

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

Reporting Relationships:

• This position reports to the Manufacturing Supervisor.

Travel:

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

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

Estimated Salary Range:

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.

Job Info

• Job Identification 1023918
• Job Category Plant MFG Operations
• Posting Date 04/30/2026, 07:22 PM
• Locations 121 Logistics Drive, Gaffney, SC, 29341, US