Technician- Manufacturing Engineer II USA (D Crew/PM Shift)

First Solar (US) • Gaffney, SC

2d • $26 - $33 • Onsite

About The Position

This role assists in the installation and qualification of systems, troubleshoots day-to-day manufacturing issues, and identifies/implements system improvements to achieve throughput, yield, and product performance goals. It includes supporting pilot-line equipment to define new processes, transitioning to start-up, qualification, and implementation of new production processes, and eventually evolving into a standard production MET position. Primary initial responsibilities will focus on material handling and JBT AGV operations throughout the facility. The role also guides production associates in upskilling MH Equipment and Process and performs necessary maintenance and repair of equipment in a timely and cost-efficient manner.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent with 1 year experience as First Solar Manufacturing Engineering Technician I or 3 years First Solar Technical experience or 10 years Technical experience in a Manufacturing setting, OR
• Associate’s degree in a technical discipline with at least 1 year as First Solar Manufacturing Engineering Technician I or 2 years First Solar Technical Experience or at least 3 years technical experience in a Manufacturing setting, OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline with 0-2 year technical experience in a Manufacturing setting.
• Safety first mindset.
• Extensive verifiable electrical/electronic and mechanical knowledge.
• Extensive verifiable hands-on troubleshooting/repair skills.
• Self-directed, able to work with minimal supervision.
• Good written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve equipment issues on the manufacturing line.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve process issues on the manufacturing line.
• Ability to deal with administrative as well as technical tasks.
• Working knowledge of common Windows computer applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to identify recurring issues and develop/communicate improvement recommendations.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including, but not limited to: 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).

Nice To Haves

• Competency in maintaining and repairing one or more of the following process equipment toolsets is strongly preferred: robotics, highly automated material handling (conveyor) systems, accumulation/storage systems and auto guide vehicles (AGV).

Responsibilities

• Assist in the installation and qualification of systems.
• Troubleshoot day-to-day manufacturing issues.
• Identify and/or implement system improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield and product performance goals.
• Support the operation of pilot-line equipment to define a new process.
• Transition to start-up, qualification, and implementation of the new production process.
• Evolve into a standard production MET position.
• Focus on material handling and JBT AGV operations throughout the entire facility.
• Guide production associate to upskilling MH Equipment and Process.
• Perform, as directed, all necessary maintenance and repair of the equipment in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Solve day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems.
• Identify and implement yield and product performance improvements.
• Develop methods to assign causes to yield excursions.
• Ensure all processes are running on target as defined by the Process Control Plan.
• Respond to SPC process control alarms, bringing processes back into control.
• Execute planned process experiments, collect and analyze data and report experimental results.
• Collect data relating to daily tool performance and associated product performance.
• Provide training to production associates.
• Develop and update internal documentation including drawings, standard operating procedures, safety documentation and process specifications.
• Interface with internal associates and supplier representatives, as required, to complete assigned projects.
• Develop a complete understanding of area processes, equipment, and support systems.
• Maintain effective communication with production associates and manufacturing engineers.
• Disposition non-conforming product according to established criteria (NCP).
• Ensure waste materials are discarded in their designated containers.
• Ensure hazardous waste containers stay closed except when adding or removing waste.
• Ensure satellite accumulation containers stay in their designated locations.
• Perform FAT (Final/Factory Acceptance Test) on MH equipment.
• Inventory management with JBT AGV operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Travel for initial onboarding training in other FS manufacturing facilities may be required.
• Travel is limited to no travel required (<5%) after initial training period.
• If hired during plant start up, you will be expected to travel to other First Solar locations for training.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED