Team Lead- Coater USA

First Solar (US)•New Iberia, LA

4h•Onsite

About The Position

The Production Team Lead role combines the responsibilities of a Production Technician (level III) and a Team Leader within production operations. This position is designed for experienced First Solar Associates who possess strong technical competence and a proven ability to collaborate and lead others. It is intended for associates who wish to leverage their skills to support other team members in their training and job performance. A Production Team Lead is considered a stepping stone towards a Technical Supervisor role. The position will occasionally involve supervisory-level duties and requires carrying a company-provided communication device. Team Leads may also be required to participate in training on off-crew days. The role encompasses the responsibilities of a Production Tech II, including safe equipment operation, material and process management, maintenance, quality control, data analytics, and problem-solving, all aimed at manufacturing high-quality photovoltaic solar modules at the required rate. A Team Lead of Production Coater Technicians must have relevant experience and continue to perform Coater Technician duties, which includes wearing appropriate PPE such as a respirator and Tyvek suit.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.
1+ Year experience as at least a Coater Technician I (for internal candidates).
Technician Supervisor recommendation is required (for internal candidates).
1-year previous Team Lead or supervisory experience (for external candidates).
Safety First mindset.
Maintain a high standard for quality.
Good troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Math skills appropriate to understand and apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) concepts.
Able to foster teamwork through collaboration with peers, leadership, and other functional groups.
Able to lead teams and provide on-the-job training.
Effective communication 1:1 and in-group setting with peers and leadership.
Fundamental knowledge to work with different computer applications.
Interface with Machine Control Panels.
Ability to use mobile systems, communication devices, and simple tool interfaces.
Ability to use simple hand tools and measurement tools.
Perform mechanical maintenance activities utilizing hand tools and measurement devices.
Must be able to obtain/maintain forklift certification and/or walk behind forklift certification, if requested.
Work in a large area of manufacturing space, often without line-of-sight of direct supervision.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment (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).
Successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.

Nice To Haves

Preference for Associate degree or certificates in a technical discipline.

Responsibilities

Adheres to all safety procedures and practices good housekeeping.
Safely operates and maintains tools and equipment to meet acceptable quality and productivity levels.
Completes their training in the required timeframe.
Provides on-the-job training or coordinates with others to train team members and validate successful completion.
Leads their team on job assignments and supports them on resolving issues.
Performs assigned job duties in accordance with training and direction provided by supervisor.
Performs maintenance on equipment, in the required time, with hand tools and instrumentation.
Operates forklift and crane with proper training and certification (when required).
Interfaces with equipment computers to monitor parameters and alarms.
Monitors process data (including use of SPC) & makes decisions based on procedures to maintain process control.
Recognizes conditions that require escalation and provides good communication on issues and recommendations.
Works with cross functional teams to run approved tests.
Collaborates with cross functional teams on problem solving.
Collects data and provides reporting (written, oral, or via computer/devices) when requested.
Provides good communication with team members and leadership during shift changes.
Ensures proper inventory levels of materials and in-process work is available for the next shift.
Ensures waste is discarded timely and appropriately.
Other duties as assigned.