Team Lead- Production (B Crew/ PM Shift)

First Solar (US)•New Iberia, LA

About The Position

The Team Lead- Production combines the responsibilities of a Production Technician (level III) and a Team Leader within production operations. This position is intended for experienced First Solar Associates with strong technical competence and a demonstrated ability to collaborate with and lead others. Team Leads help Associates succeed in training and carrying out their job responsibilities, and the role may be a step toward becoming a Production Supervisor. Team Leads sometimes perform supervisory-level responsibilities, must carry a company-provided communication device, and may be required to attend training on off-crew days. The role retains Production Technician II responsibilities, including safe equipment operation, managing materials and processes, maintenance, quality control, data analysis, and problem solving to manufacture high-quality photovoltaic solar modules at the required rate. The position has no direct reports. Regular travel beyond First Solar Ohio factories is not required; occasional travel of 0%–5% may be needed for training or other reasons. 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 committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
For internal candidates: at least 6 months of experience as a Production Technician I or higher in any production area from Front to Back End.
Production Supervisor recommendation for internal candidates.
For external candidates: 1 year of previous Team Lead or supervisory experience.
Safety-first mindset and ability to maintain high quality standards.
Good troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Math skills sufficient to understand and apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) 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 oral and written communication with individuals and groups, including 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 to direct supervision.
Ability to comply with safety standards and procedures and wear required personal protective equipment.
Ability to sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day and climb stairs frequently.
Ability to lift up to 58 pounds occasionally and 37 pounds frequently, according to work instruction.
Ability to push or pull up to 27 pounds of force occasionally and 10 pounds of force frequently.
Ability to grasp, lift, handle, carry, or feel objects repetitively on a frequent basis.
20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, and ability to distinguish red, yellow, and green.
Ability to reach above shoulder height and below the waist frequently, and stoop, kneel, or bend occasionally.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or certificates in a technical discipline.

Responsibilities

Adhere to all safety procedures and maintain good housekeeping.
Safely operate and maintain tools and equipment to meet acceptable quality and productivity levels.
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 according to training and direction from the supervisor.
Perform equipment maintenance within the required timeframe using hand tools and instrumentation.
Operate a forklift when properly trained and certified, when required.
Interface with equipment computers to monitor parameters and alarms.
Monitor process data, including Statistical Process Control (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 run approved tests and collaborate on problem solving.
Collect data and provide reports when requested, in writing, orally, or through computers or devices.
Communicate effectively 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.
Carry a company-provided communication device and attend training on off-crew days when required.
Perform other duties as assigned.