Lead- Technical Group Technology Scaling USA

First Solar (US)•OH, OH

5d•$80,700 - $115,000

About The Position

The Lead - Technical Group Technology Scaling serves as the technical lead for equipment readiness, asset reliability, inventory strategy, and material support systems for Manufacturing Technology Scaling initiatives. The role develops and deploys equipment-support and inventory-management processes to enable technology transfer from R&D through Pilot and High Volume Manufacturing (HVM). It leads cross-functional work with Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Reliability, Warehouse Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, and equipment suppliers to ensure assets, spare parts, tooling, and consumables are available for project, startup, and production objectives. As a subject matter expert in critical spare parts strategy, reliability readiness, inventory optimization, and material systems, the position provides technical leadership for complex projects, equipment qualifications, technology-scaling programs, and continuous-improvement initiatives. It influences cross-functional teams without direct supervisory responsibility and supports safety, product quality, yield, throughput, equipment uptime, and cost objectives. The role also supports daily photovoltaic-module production in accordance with quality standards and cost-efficiency goals, and trains and mentors associates. The position reports to the Operations Manager and requires up to 10% global travel. The estimated salary range is $80,700–$115,000 annually. Physical requirements include sitting, standing, or walking short distances for up to 12 hours per day; frequent stair climbing; occasional lifting up to 58 pounds and frequent lifting up to 37 pounds; occasional pushing or pulling up to 50 pounds of force and frequent pushing or pulling up to 37 pounds of force; frequent hand use and reaching; occasional stooping, kneeling, or bending; specified vision and color-discrimination capabilities; and the ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including respirators. Candidates receiving an offer must successfully complete a background check and any other required tests.

Requirements

Associate degree in a technical discipline with 2 years of engineering experience and/or 6 years of technical experience in a manufacturing setting; or bachelor's degree in a technical discipline with 2 years of engineering experience and/or 3 years of technical experience in a manufacturing setting; or MS degree in a technical discipline with 2 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing setting.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing equipment, maintenance systems, and production support processes.
Experience with electrical, mechanical, and chemical manufacturing systems.
Experience with continuous-improvement and problem-solving tools such as DMAIC, 5-Why, Fishbone Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, and SPC.
Ability to analyze equipment, maintenance, inventory, and operational data to identify issues and drive improvements.
Experience creating and maintaining FMEAs, Control Plans, PM procedures, OCAPs, work instructions, and troubleshooting guides.
Knowledge of MRO inventory management, spare-parts planning, equipment BOMs, and asset management.
Experience installing, qualifying, commissioning, and supporting manufacturing equipment.
Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to develop practical solutions to technical problems.
Strong project-management and cross-functional teamwork skills.
Effective communication, organization, planning, and leadership abilities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and data-analysis tools such as Power BI, SQL, JMP, Minitab, or similar software.
Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions and work independently.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, comply with safety standards and procedures, and wear required personal protective equipment.
Successful completion of a background check and any other tests that may be required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with vacuum, laser, chemical, metrology, packaging, or thermal systems.

Responsibilities

Adhere to safety procedures and housekeeping standards and promote a Safety First culture.
Support equipment reliability, readiness, and inventory management.
Help transfer new technologies from R&D to manufacturing.
Manage spare parts, maintenance plans, and equipment records.
Support equipment installation, testing, qualification, and startup.
Coordinate with engineering, maintenance, supply chain, and suppliers to keep equipment running efficiently.
Lead daily production activities and ensure quality and productivity goals are met.
Monitor inventory, equipment performance, throughput, and production efficiency.
Analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements.
Lead root-cause investigations and continuous-improvement activities.
Train, coach, and develop team members.
Maintain training, compliance, production, and inventory records.
Support cost control and operational performance.
Use manufacturing and ERP systems to track production and inventory.
Perform other duties as assigned.