Technical Tool Lead (B Crew)

First Solar; Perrysburg (OH); On-site; USD 69,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar is seeking a shift supervisor to lead DE technicians in the repair and process control of CHT tools, aiming for safety, quality, yield, and throughput. The role requires overseeing 3–5 technicians, guiding troubleshooting, and driving continuous improvement.

The position involves an evening shift (6:00 PM to 6:00 AM) with a rotating schedule. Applicants should have strong electrical/mechanical knowledge, leadership, and experience in manufacturing or engineering settings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with supervisory and technical manufacturing experience is required.
• Experience leading 3–5 person crews and improving processes is preferred.
• Engineering/technical degree with no experience is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Adheres to safety procedures and 5S standards.
• Supervises shift uptime and process control in HPVD/submodule area.
• Leads on-site service, troubleshooting and repair of HPVD equipment.
• Plans and schedules daily work for development engineering technicians.
• Ensures tests are executed per engineering plans.
• Coordinates startups, shutdowns, and changeovers within HPVD/submodule.
• Communicates system policies to direct reports and supports staffing decisions.

Skills

Electrical knowledge

Mechanical knowledge

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication skills

Statistical data analysis / SPC

MS Office

Forklift operation

Education

High school diploma or GED + 3 years supervisory experience

High school diploma or GED + 5 years technical experience at First Solar

Associate or Bachelor’s in engineering, mechanical or electrical field

Tools

Maximo/CMMS

SAP/Oracle

HMI interfaces

JMP

Job description

Description

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

Basic Job Functions:

• Supervises and leads assigned shift DE technicians in the repair and process control of the CHT tools to meet shift goals in terms of Safety, Quality, Yield, and Throughput, in a cost-efficient manner.

***Please note that following training this is an evening shift position 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM (Week 1 - 3 days/Week 2 - 4 days rotating)***

Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or GED plus 3 years of supervisory experience with 2 years technical work experience in manufacturing, maintenance, or engineering OR
• High school diploma or GED plus 5 years of technical experience at First Solar OR
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, mechanical or electrical field with no experience.
• Experience in vacuum system, thermal, laser systems, electrical, mechanical, and chemical industrial applications is preferred.
• Managed or participated in continuous improvement projects is preferred.
• Past history of identifying and rectifying safety issues.
• Past experience being the person of contact for a tool is preferred.
• Past experience successfully troubleshooting issues with a piece of equipment.
• Past experience leading a crew of 3-5 people.
• Past experience operating and maintaining metrology tools.
• Past experience following written procedures and instructions.
• Past experience writing standard operating procedures.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Electrical and Mechanical knowledge are required.
• Knowledge of Thermal and Wet Chemistry operation are desired.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, engineering controls, and equipment experience is preferred.
• Excellent process and equipment troubleshooting and structural problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Possess strong leadership, interpersonal skills, analytic skills, and ability to lead a flexible workforce.
• Excellent organizational, supervisory, decision-making, and planning skills.
• Proven ability to manage DE technicians effectively in terms of leading, supervising, coaching, training, and developing direct reports.
• Knowledgeable in structural problem solving and analysis such as 5-Why Analysis, Fishbone diagram and 7-Steps.
• Understands and can apply Statistical Data Analysis and Statistical Process Control (SPC), structural problem- solving tools (such as DMAIC).
• Demonstrate ability to analyze engineering and statistical data, driven corrective/ improvement action accordingly. JMP experience a plus.
• Good knowledge on EHS/Safety and Quality systems (ISO14001/ ISO9001/ ISO4500/ OSHA)
• Familiarity with Asset Management and Maintenance applications required. Maximo/CMMS, SAP, or Oracle preferred.
• Basic knowledge to work with different computer/ devices applications e.g., Mobile systems, Communication devices, Interface with Machine Control Panels and HMI interface.
• Experience with LOTO procedures, Mechanical and Electrical and stored energy hazards with good awareness of Control of Hazardous Energies.
• Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs and analysis software.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to drive a forklift.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Adheres to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards, including our 5S system.
• Responsible for the assigned shift uptime and process control within the HPVD /submodule area, following escalation procedures as needed for support.
• Supervises on-site service, troubleshooting and repairing of HPVD/submodule process equipment.
• Act a 1st level of escalation for HPVD/submodule tools (process and repair)
• Plans and supervises the scheduling of daily work assignments for development engineering technicians assigned to the HPVD/submodule areas.
• Ensures the HPVD/submodule activities (target changes, and wetline PM’s, etc.) are performed effectively with the highest level of quality.
• Ensure all tests scheduled during shift are executed according to the plan designed by engineering.
• Support operations, engineering, and integration teams in identifying, assigning cause and implementing improvement actions on yield excursions and performance issues.
• Ensure team is responding to SPC alarms and bring processes back into control.
• Provides direction to shift engineering, shift maintenance, onsite contractors, and vendors to ensure and enforce First Solar’s standards and policies. This includes ensuring Environmental Health and Safety requirements are met.
• Responsible for communicating systems and policies to direct reports.
• Responsible for working with the appropriate departments to handle employee relations issues.
• Responsible for training and developing direct reports and setting objectives.
• Serves as a liaison for the related functional department for continuous improvement.
• Coordinate startups, shutdowns, and changeovers within HPVD/submodule.
• Effective use of internal application software for process and maintenance tracking.
• Interfaces with other departments and manages timely completion of ETA/projects as required.
• Utilizes structural problem-solving methodology to troubleshoot issues.
• Responsible for maintenance system compliance including closing out work orders, handheld scanner compliance, job plan audits and keeping track of process tool correct E10 status.
• Manage time keeping of all assigned shift development engineering technicians, responsible for shift schedule and coordinate with Human Resources for appropriate staffing levels.
• Responsible for handling disciplinary actions with the associate involved.
• Responsible for effective communication levels and foster team building.
• Oversee the responsibilities of development engineering technicians to manage and dispose properly the hazardous waste generated from routine, troubleshooting/ maintenance jobs performed in the either building.
• Assist in VTD pitstop as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position will have direct reports.

Travel:

• No travel is required.

Estimated Salary Range:

• $68,800 - $98,000 Annually

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 each eye separately and both eyes (with or without correction), the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green and peripheral vision >70 degrees 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) asa 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.