Team Lead- Production (B Crew/ PM Shift)

First Solar•New Iberia, LA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Team Lead- Production combines the Production Technician (level III) and Team Leader roles within production operations. This position is intended for experienced First Solar associates with sound technical competence and demonstrated ability to collaborate with and lead others. Team Leads help associates succeed in training and job responsibilities, and the role may be a step toward becoming a Production Supervisor. Team Leads sometimes fulfill supervisory-level responsibilities, must carry a company-provided communication device, and may be required to participate in training on off-crew days. The role retains Production Technician II responsibilities, including safely operating equipment, managing materials and processes, performing 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 requirements. Candidates must meet the stated education and experience requirements and be able to complete the responsibilities of the role. 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 six months of internal 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, one year of previous Team Lead or supervisory experience.
Safety-first mindset and commitment to maintaining high quality standards.
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 in one-to-one and group settings 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.
Must be able 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 sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day; frequently climb stairs; occasionally lift up to 58 pounds and frequently lift up to 37 pounds; occasionally push or pull up to 27 pounds of force and frequently push or pull up to 10 pounds of force; frequently perform repetitive grasping, lifting, handling, carrying, or feeling; frequently reach above shoulder height and below the waist; and occasionally stoop, kneel, or bend.
Vision of 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction, and ability to distinguish red, yellow, and green.
Ability to comply with safety standards and procedures and wear required personal protective equipment, including steel-toed shoes, cut-resistant gloves, jackets, aprons and/or arm guards, safety glasses, and hearing protection.
Must successfully complete a background check and any other tests required for an employment offer.

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 in accordance with training and supervisor direction.
Perform equipment maintenance within required timeframes using hand tools and instrumentation.
Operate a forklift when required, with appropriate training and certification.
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 effectively.
Work with cross-functional teams to run approved tests and collaborate on problem solving.
Collect data and provide reporting in written, oral, or electronic form when requested.
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.