Technician- Coater I (D-Crew)

First Solar, Inc.; Trinity (AL); On-site; USD 24,576 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

A leading solar energy company in Alabama seeks a Production Coater Technician I. This intermediate role involves safely operating equipment to begin the manufacturing process of photovoltaic solar modules. The ideal candidate will have a High School Diploma or GED, 2+ years of manufacturing experience, and strong safety and quality standards. Responsibilities include conducting preventative maintenance, quality control, and providing on-the-job training to team members. Preferred skills include troubleshooting, teamwork, and effective communication.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 2+ years of manufacturing experience preferred.
• Honorable military experience relevant.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate specific equipment and manage materials for manufacturing.
• Conduct operational preventative maintenance procedures.
• Provide training on certified tasks.

Skills

Safety First mindset

Basic troubleshooting

Good written and oral communication skills

Math skills

Teamwork and collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s degree or certificate in a technical discipline

Tools

Simple hand tools

Measurement tools

Job description

Basic Job Functions

The Production Coater Technician I is an intermediate position responsible for the beginning of the manufacturing process, inclusive of the coating application of the semiconductor. The core function is to safely operate specific equipment, manage material and processes to manufacture high-quality, photovoltaic solar modules at the required rate. Additionally, Technician I’s will conduct operational preventative maintenance procedures, address intermediate-level alarms, perform basic quality control procedures, use simple hand tools and systems during floor operations, and conduct training on tasks where they have completed certification.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Preference for Associate’s degree or certificate in a technical discipline.
• 2+ years of manufacturing experience.
• Experience that will be considered a substitute for direct manufacturing experience: warehousing, textile, agriculture, or material inspection.
• Honorable military experience in an electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical industrial application.
• Internal candidates: High School Diploma or GED and achieved 60 credits of internal manufacturing-related training (in module or semiconductor areas of the line) or education and experience as outlined for an external candidate.
• Endorsement from direct supervisor for a promotion.
• Positive rating from direct supervisor related to Safety, Performance, Dependability, and Collaboration.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Safety First mindset.
• Maintain a high standard of quality.
• Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Math skills appropriate to understand and apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) concepts.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Fundamental knowledge to work with different computer applications.
• Interface with machine control panels.
• Use of mobile systems, communication devices, and simple tool interfaces.
• Use of simple hand tools and measurement tools.
• Perform light mechanical maintenance activities using hand tools and measurement devices.
• Work in a large area of manufacturing space, often without line-of-sight to direct supervision.
• Obtain/maintain forklift certification and/or walk-behind forklift certification, if requested.

Essential Responsibilities

• Adhere to all safety procedures and practice good housekeeping.
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment safely to meet acceptable quality and productivity levels.
• Complete training in the required timeframe.
• Provide on-the-job training to team members when requested.
• Perform assigned job duties in accordance with training and direction provided by team leads and supervisor.
• Maintain equipment in good working order using hand tools and instrumentation.
• Operate forklift and crane with proper training and certification when required.
• Interface with equipment computers to monitor parameters and alarms.
• Monitor process data (including use of SPC) and make decisions based on procedures to maintain process control.
• Recognize conditions requiring escalation and communicate issues and recommendations effectively.
• 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.
• Communicate with team members and leadership during shift changes.
• Ensure proper inventory levels of materials and in-process work are available for the next shift.
• Ensure waste is discarded timely and appropriately.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships

This position reports to the Technical Supervisor.

Travel

0―5%

Estimated Salary Range

$17.84―$25.00

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.
• 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), 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.
• Must wear personal protective equipment (steel-toed shoes, cut-resistant gloves, jackets, aprons &/or arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) as a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair).

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided 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.