Laboratory Operations Supervisor

First Solar (US)•Santa Clara, CA

11d•$81,250 - $115,700•Onsite

About The Position

Supervise CTC lab operations effectively and efficiently by interacting with Equipment/Process owners, task requestors and laboratory staffs. Work with request owners to determine task priority and any special quality check requirements, scheduling equipment, and assigning technicians and equipment to appropriate tasks. Perform weekly process/equipment quality verification checks maintaining results in SPC capable database and troubleshoot failures, escalating issues when required. Perform basic equipment maintenance and first level troubleshooting of area equipment working with tool owners, controls, and maintenance team members as required to bring equipment back online when compromised. Maintain area material inventory, stage appropriate materials for tasks, actively monitor and maintain area storage space, and perform startup and shutdown operation of equipment in support of tasks. Look for and implement opportunities to improve quality and task efficiency in area while providing regular lab updates on equipment/inventory and space status. Responsible for lab safety including user adherence to rules in lab while maintaining technician performance, training and performance evaluations.

Requirements

Bachelor Degree in a technical discipline (Mechanical preferred) with minimum 4 years work experience in a manufacturing or lab environment, minimum 1 year supervision or leadership experience.
Or Associates Degree in a technical discipline (Mechanical preferred) with minimum 7 years of work experience in a manufacturing or lab environment, minimum 3 years supervision or leadership experience.
Or First Solar Supervisory experience for a minimum of 2 years in a manufacturing or lab setting.
Computer skills. MS Word, Excel, and PPT (Intermediate level or above desired).
Proven ability to train and develop associates.
Proven ability to develop and implement operational systems to improve safety and throughput.
Proven basic data analysis skills.
Average to excellent ability to use tools and operating equipment is required including ability to troubleshoot issues and perform basic maintenance.
Strong interpersonal skills to effectively manage employees.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Knowledge of environmental, health and safety requirements.
Must be motivated to work independently with little supervision.
Must be able to demonstrate problem solving ability.
Must be able to multi-task.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards).
Ability to wear a respirator (requires little or no facial hair).

Nice To Haves

Mechanical degree preferred.
Intermediate or above MS Word, Excel, and PPT skills desired.

Responsibilities

Supervise CTC lab operations effectively and efficiently.
Interact with Equipment/Process owners, task requestors and laboratory staffs.
Determine task priority and any special quality check requirements.
Schedule equipment and assign technicians and equipment to appropriate tasks.
Perform weekly process/equipment quality verification checks.
Maintain results in SPC capable database and troubleshoot failures.
Escalate issues when required.
Perform basic equipment maintenance and first level troubleshooting.
Work with tool owners, controls, and maintenance team members to bring equipment back online.
Maintain area material inventory.
Stage appropriate materials for tasks.
Monitor and maintain area storage space.
Perform startup and shutdown operation of equipment.
Implement opportunities to improve quality and task efficiency.
Provide regular lab updates on equipment/inventory and space status.
Ensure a safe work environment.
Develop and implement operational systems that result in an increase in safety and lab throughput.
Ensure scheduled laboratory activities are completed on time, including required data collection and quality checks.
Acquire test priority from multiple business groups and execute testing based on priority.
Develop and maintain laboratory personnel, including writing and updating work instructions and conducting on-the-job training (OJT) for laboratory associates.
Ensure that all tests are done per the WI and lab associate training is up to date.
Start up and shut down equipment per task specifics and requirements.
Stage task specific materials and components as required for task.
Maintain area storage and inventories and work with users to reduce/dispose of materials as required to maintain lab efficiency and safety standards.
Perform equipment and process health baseline checks and troubleshoot or escalate to equipment/process owners as necessary after completing verification and basic troubleshooting.
Communicate immediately any abnormal findings on the product or testing equipment.
Support Engineers on any improvement project either on the product or testing equipment.
Ensure all testing equipment have up to date calibrations.
Schedule equipment resources and laboratory personnel.
Perform data analysis using JMP and applications built in-house.
Prepare and update summary reports for equipment health and material inventories and any other requested lab quality metrics.
Enforce procedures and apply disciplinary action as needed.
Develop associates and perform quarterly performance reviews.
Assist in any other task or job assigned by manager.
Audit lab processes for compliance.
Support and react to daily lab operation issues.
Maintain clean lab to 5S standards, housekeeping, and safety standards.
Maintain and report lab operation metrics.
Responsible for effective communication and team building.