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 6:00AM - 6:10PM. PM shift is 6:00PM - 6:10AM. 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 or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Robotics, Industrial Controls, or Electronic Engineering preferred.
- If no degree completed, the qualified candidate 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 processes.
- 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 troubleshoot electrical/electronic control systems in a manufacturing environment.
- Competent in Autodesk AutoCAD drafting software to create electrical schematic and panel layouts.
- Good understanding/knowledge programming/troubleshooting of Rockwell Automation Logix platform PLCs.
- Good understanding/knowledge programming/troubleshooting Rockwell Automation Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) utilizing FactoryTalk View ME; Proface HMI experience a plus.
- Good understanding 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 communication 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.
- Maintains effective communication levels and fosters team building.
- Ensures adherence to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Job description subject to change at any time.
Key Competencies:
- Takes responsibility for understanding client requirements, collecting data, delivering analysis and problem resolution. Identifies, evaluates and recommends options, implementing if required.
- Maintains awareness of opportunities provided by new technology to address challenges or to 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.
- Identifies and resolves issues with applications, 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.
Reporting Relationships:
- This position will not have direct reports.
Travel:
Estimated Salary Range:
US Physical Requirements:
- Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
- Will climb stairs 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 27 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
- Will push or pull up to 10 pounds of force 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) 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 be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
- Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required.
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.