Production Technician I USA (B Crew/PM Shift)

First Solar (US)•Gaffney, SC

4d•$18 - $25

About The Position

The Production Technician I is an intermediate-level position in the middle submodule through the finishing end of the manufacturing process. The role safely operates specific equipment and manages materials and processes to manufacture high-quality photovoltaic solar modules at the required rate. Technicians also conduct operational preventative maintenance, address intermediate-level alarms, perform basic quality-control procedures, and interface with equipment and factory computer systems. External candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of manufacturing experience. Warehousing, textile, agriculture, or material-inspection experience, as well as honorable military experience in an electrical, mechanical, or chemical industrial application, may substitute for direct manufacturing experience. An associate degree or certificate in a technical discipline is preferred. Internal candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, 60 credits of internal manufacturing-related training, a direct supervisor's endorsement for promotion, and a positive supervisor rating in Safety, Performance, Dependability, and Collaboration. The position reports to the Technical Supervisor and has no direct reports. Travel is 0%–5%, on occasion or as needed for training. The estimated salary range is $18–$25 per hour. Candidates receiving an offer must successfully complete a background check and any other required tests.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least one year of manufacturing experience for external candidates; qualifying substitute experience includes warehousing, textile, agriculture, material inspection, or honorable military experience in an electrical, mechanical, or chemical industrial application.
For internal candidates: 60 credits of internal manufacturing-related training, endorsement from the direct supervisor for promotion, and a positive supervisor rating for Safety, Performance, Dependability, and Collaboration.
Safety-first mindset and ability to maintain a high standard of quality.
Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Basic math skills sufficient to understand typical manufacturing production metrics.
Ability to work in a team environment and communicate effectively in writing and orally.
Fundamental knowledge of different computer applications.
Ability to interface with machine control panels and use mobile systems, communication devices, and simple tool interfaces.
Ability to use simple hand tools and measurement tools and perform light mechanical maintenance using hand tools and measurement devices.
Ability to work in a large manufacturing area, often without line-of-sight supervision.
Ability to meet the stated vision and color-discrimination requirements: 20/40 vision in each eye separately and both eyes, with or without correction; ability to distinguish red, yellow, and green; and peripheral vision greater than 70 degrees.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including steel-toed shoes, cut-resistant gloves, jackets, aprons and/or arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection, and respirators; little or no facial hair is required for respirator use.
Must comply with all safety standards and procedures.
Must successfully complete a background check and any other tests required for employment.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or certificate in a technical discipline.

Responsibilities

Adhere to all safety procedures and practice good housekeeping.
Safely operate and maintain tools and equipment to meet acceptable quality and productivity levels.
Complete training within the required timeframe.
Provide on-the-job training to team members when requested.
Perform assigned duties in accordance with training and direction from team leads and the supervisor.
Perform equipment maintenance within the required time using hand tools and instrumentation.
Interface with equipment computers to monitor parameters and alarms.
Monitor process data and make decisions according to procedures to maintain process control.
Recognize conditions requiring escalation and communicate issues and recommendations.
Work with cross-functional teams to run approved tests and collaborate on problem solving.
Collect data and provide reports when requested, in writing, orally, or through computers or devices.
Communicate with team members and leadership during shift changes.
Ensure appropriate inventory of materials and in-process work is available for the next shift.
Ensure waste is discarded promptly and appropriately.
Perform other duties as assigned.