Technician- Automation I USA

First Solar; Kentucky; On-site; USD 37,153 - 52,982; Full time

Job summary

First Solar is seeking an entry-level Automation Technician in Kentucky to support manufacturing operations. The successful candidate will assist with equipment implementation, PLC/HMI programming, and troubleshooting of control systems. Responsibilities include maintaining electrical control systems, troubleshooting issues, and coordinating new equipment installations. Candidates need relevant experience or degrees in engineering. Estimated salary ranges from $26.97 to $38.46 hourly, offering a diverse and inclusive workplace atmosphere.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of manufacturing equipment electrical/electronic/controls experience.
• Good understanding of computer hardware/applications and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain all electrical control systems for manufacturing equipment.
• Assist with coordination of new equipment installation and implementation.
• Ensure adherence to safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.

Skills

Ability to work independently

Problem-solving ability

Proficient in Autodesk AutoCAD

Understanding of PLC programming

Competency in troubleshooting control systems

Good communication skills

Understanding electrical/mechanical drawings

Education

Associate/Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Robotics, Industrial Controls, or Electronic Engineering

5+ years experience in a related field

Tools

Rockwell Automation Logix platform PLC’s

FactoryTalk View ME

SQL database

Job description

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

Job Description

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

Basic Job Functions

The following is an entry level Automation Technician controls position where a successful candidate will be required to support manufacturing operations, assist with equipment implementation/startup, PLC/HMI programming, and troubleshooting/optimization of manufacturing processes control systems. This position directly supports a manufacturing site; the successful candidate will be assigned to a manufacturing schedule on either AM or PM crew/shift. AM shift is 6:00 AM – 6:10 PM. PM shift is 6:00 PM – 6:10 AM. This results in a rotating 36/48‑hour work week schedule, which includes working every other Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Education/Experience

• Minimum 2 years of manufacturing equipment electrical/electronic/controls experience.
• Associate/Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Robotics, Industrial Controls, or Electronic Engineering (preferred)
• No Degree – Must have 5+ years verifiable experience in a related field (i.e., Semiconductors, Automotive, etc.).

Required Skills/Competencies

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks and set priorities.
• Ability to interpret data and make reasonable conclusions to assist in troubleshooting process.
• Good understanding/knowledge of reading electrical/mechanical drawings and suggest modifications as required.
• Good understanding/knowledge of manufacturing processes and safety requirements.
• Demonstrated proficiency and problem‑solving ability to trouble‑shoot electrical/electronic control systems in manufacturing environment.
• Competent in Autodesk AutoCAD drafting software to create electrical schematic and panel layouts.
• Good understanding/knowledge and programming/troubleshooting of Rockwell Automation Logix platform PLC’s.
• Good understanding/knowledge, programming/trouble‑shooting of Rockwell Automation Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) utilizing FactoryTalk View ME; Proface HMI experience a plus.
• Good understanding of troubleshooting at least two control networks including ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus and/or Ethernet.
• Basic understanding/knowledge of robotic systems including troubleshooting, programming, safety.
• Good understanding of computer hardware/applications and the Microsoft Office family.
• Basic understanding of corporate Ethernet architectures and systems.
• Proficient communications skills both verbal and written.
• Basic understanding of SQL database tables/queries.
• Basic understanding of data collection processes and OPC protocols.

Essential Responsibilities

• Responsible for support of manufacturing facilities, including remote support of worldwide manufacturing facilities.
• Responsible to troubleshoot, repair, problem‑solve, and maintain all electrical control systems for manufacturing equipment.
• Responsible to assist with coordination of new equipment installation and implementation; including MES integration events.
• Responsible for maintaining and updating manufacturing process tool electrical drawings, ensuring the tracking of equipment changes is documented and drawings are kept current.
• Responsible to implement new software changes/upgrades specified by the Controls Engineering Department.
• Responsible to identify, research, document and present solutions to control problems and continuous improvement projects.
• Responsible to interface with multiple departments within the organization.
• Maintain effective communications levels and foster team building.
• Ensures adherence to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.

Primary Responsibilities

• The in‑depth responsibilities listed above are the core duties of this role.

Key Competencies

• Takes responsibility for understanding client requirements, collecting data, delivering analysis and problem resolution. Identifies, evaluates and recommends options, implementing if required. Collaborates with and facilitates stakeholder groups.
• Maintains awareness of opportunities provided by new technology to address challenges or enable new ways of working.
• Assists with the collection of safety assurance evidence, undertaking all work in accordance with agreed safety, technical and quality standards.
• Investigates and recommends components and subsystems that meet sustainability criteria.
• Performs, analyzes and documents evaluations according to a plan, excluding expert reviews.
• Configures software and equipment and tests platform‑specific versions of one or more software products. Reports the outcome of testing and identifies potential improvements.
• Uses system management software and tools to collect agreed performance statistics. Carries out agreed system software maintenance tasks.
• Identifies and resolves application issues following agreed procedures.
• Contributes to maintenance, installation, and problem resolution.
• Identifies and resolves network problems following agreed procedures.
• Initiates and monitors actions to investigate and resolve problems in systems and services.
• Receives and handles requests for support following agreed procedures. Responds to requests for support by providing information to enable incident resolution and promptly allocates unresolved calls as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

• This position will not have direct reports.

Travel

• No travel is required.

Estimated Salary Range

$26.97–$38.46

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 & arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) and a condition of employment and continued employment (may require little or no facial hair).

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.