Technician- Automation I USA (B Crew)

First Solar; Perrysburg (OH); On-site; USD 37,153 - 53,685; Full time

Job summary

First Solar in Perrysburg, Ohio, seeks an entry-level Automation Technician to support manufacturing operations. Responsibilities include troubleshooting and maintaining electrical control systems, implementing new equipment and software changes, and fostering teamwork. Candidates should have 2 years of relevant experience and/or a degree in Electrical Engineering or related fields. The position offers a rotating schedule and a salary range of $26.97 to $38.97 per hour, along with a diverse and inclusive working environment.

Qualifications

• 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 (e.g., Semiconductors, Automotive).

Responsibilities

• Support manufacturing facilities, including remote support of worldwide sites.
• Troubleshoot, repair, problem-solve, and maintain all electrical control systems for manufacturing equipment.
• Assist with coordination of new equipment installation and implementation.

Skills

Independent work

Data interpretation

Electrical/drawing interpretation

Manufacturing processes knowledge

Troubleshooting control systems

AutoCAD drafting

PLC programming

HMI troubleshooting

Control networks knowledge

Robotic systems understanding

Microsoft Office proficiency

SQL basics

Data collection processes understanding

Education

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

5+ years experience in related fields

Tools

Autodesk AutoCAD

Rockwell Automation Logix platform

FactoryTalk View ME

Job description

Basic Job Functions

The following is an entry level Automation Technician controls position. The successful candidate will support manufacturing operations, assist with equipment implementation/startup, PLC/HMI programming, and trouble‑shooting/optimization of manufacturing processes control systems. The role directly supports a manufacturing site and will be assigned to a 6:00PM – 6:10AM PM shift. 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 (e.g., Semiconductors, Automotive).

Required Skills / Competencies

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

Essential Responsibilities

• Primary Responsibilities:
  • Support manufacturing facilities, including remote support of worldwide sites.
  • Troubleshoot, repair, problem‑solve, and maintain all electrical control systems for manufacturing equipment.
  • Assist with coordination of new equipment installation and implementation, including MES integration events.
  • Maintain and update manufacturing process tool electrical drawings, ensuring changes are documented and drawings are current.
  • Implement new software changes/upgrades specified by the Controls Engineering Department.
  • Identify, research, document, and present solutions to control problems and continuous improvement projects.
  • Interface with multiple departments within the organization.
  • Maintain effective communication levels and foster teamwork.
  • Ensure adherence to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Key Competencies:
  • Understand client requirements, collect data, deliver analysis, and resolve problems.
  • Recommend options, implement solutions, and collaborate with stakeholder groups.
  • Stay aware of new technologies to address challenges and enable new ways of working.
  • Assist with safety assurance evidence collection and hazard/risk analysis documentation.
  • Recommend components and subsystems that meet sustainability criteria.
  • Configure and test software and equipment, report outcomes, and identify improvements.
  • Use system management software to collect performance statistics and carry out maintenance tasks.
  • Identify and resolve application and network problems following agreed procedures.
  • Initiate and monitor actions to investigate and resolve systemic problems.
  • Handle support requests, provide incident resolution information, and track actions taken.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

This position will not have direct reports.

Travel

No travel is required.

Estimated Salary Range

$26.97 – $38.97 per hour.

US Physical Requirements

• Sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Climb stairs or steps frequently.
• Lift up to 58 pounds occasionally and 37 pounds frequently.
• Push or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally and 37 pounds frequently.
• Use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry, or feel objects frequently.
• 20/40 vision in both eyes (with or without correction) and distinguish between red, yellow, and green.
• Reach above shoulder heights and below the waist frequently; stoop, kneel, or bend occasionally.
• Comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• Wear personal protective equipment, including steel‑toed shoes, cut‑resistant gloves, jackets, aprons & arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection, and respirators; a condition of 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.

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements 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.