Team Lead- Coater USA (Crew D/ PM Shift)

First Solar•New Iberia, LA

About The Position

The Production Team Lead combines the responsibilities of a Production Technician (level III) and team leader within production operations. The role is intended for experienced First Solar associates with strong technical competence and demonstrated ability to collaborate with and lead others. Team Leads help associates succeed in training and carrying out their responsibilities, and the position can be a step toward becoming a Technical Supervisor. The role may include supervisory-level responsibilities, requires carrying a company-provided communication device, and may require training on off-crew days. The position retains Production Technician II responsibilities, including safe equipment operation, material and process management, maintenance, quality control, data analysis, and problem solving to manufacture photovoltaic solar modules. Team Leads of Production Coater Technicians are expected to have the experience and continue performing the Coater Technician role, including wearing required PPE such as a respirator and Tyvek suit. The position has no direct reports. Travel is 0%–5%, occasionally as needed for training. The estimated salary range is $22.60–$32.21. The role involves working in a large manufacturing area, often without line-of-sight supervision. Physical demands 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 use of hands to handle objects; and frequent reaching above shoulder height or below the waist, with occasional stooping, kneeling, or bending. Vision and color distinction requirements apply. Wearing required personal protective equipment is a condition of employment and continued employment. Candidates must meet the stated education and experience requirements and be able to perform the listed responsibilities. Offers are contingent on successfully completing a background check and any other required tests. First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 1 year of internal experience as a Coater Technician I or higher.
Recommendation from a Technician Supervisor.
Safety-first mindset and commitment to high quality standards.
Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Math skills sufficient to understand and apply Statistical Process Control concepts.
Ability to foster teamwork and collaborate with peers, leadership, and other functional groups.
Ability to lead teams and provide on-the-job training.
Effective one-to-one and group communication with peers and leadership.
Fundamental knowledge of 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 mechanical maintenance using hand tools and measurement devices.
Ability to obtain and maintain forklift and/or walk-behind forklift certification if requested.
Ability to work in a large manufacturing area, often without line-of-sight of direct supervision.
Ability to meet the specified vision, color-discrimination, and peripheral-vision requirements.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including respirators; respirator use requires little or no facial hair.
Successful completion of a background check and any other required tests as a condition of an offer.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or certificates in a technical discipline.

Responsibilities

Adhere to safety procedures and maintain good housekeeping.
Safely operate and maintain tools and equipment to meet quality and productivity requirements.
Complete required training within the required timeframe.
Provide on-the-job training or coordinate training for team members and validate successful completion.
Lead the team on job assignments and support team members in resolving issues.
Perform assigned duties in accordance with supervisor-provided training and direction.
Perform equipment maintenance on time using hand tools and instrumentation.
Operate forklifts and cranes when properly trained and certified, when required.
Use equipment computers to monitor parameters and alarms.
Monitor process data, including SPC, and make procedure-based decisions to maintain process control.
Recognize conditions requiring escalation and communicate issues and recommendations.
Work with cross-functional teams to conduct approved tests and collaborate on problem solving.
Collect data and provide requested written, oral, or electronic reporting.
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.