Technical Tool Lead USA

First Solar•Perrysburg, OH

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Will act as a consultant for test execution in pilot line, often addressing and resolving material handling issues. Identify and implement system improvements to achieve performance goals including people utilization, and proper personnel alignment with test complexity. Support the production floor by creating and maintaining daily task schedules. Assist with WIP and operational planning. Monitors the daily production of Photovoltaic modules, coupons and/or E-plates in accordance with required quality standards and in a cost-efficient manner on the pilot line. Drive tool level troubleshooting and standard process issues to conclusion and identify root cause. Can identify and implement operation and tool system improvements to achieve performance goals.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED plus 3 years of supervisory experience with 2 years technical work experience in manufacturing, maintenance, or engineering OR High school diploma or GED plus 5 years of technical experience at First Solar OR Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, mechanical or electrical field with no experience.
Excellent process and equipment troubleshooting and structural problem-solving skills.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
Possess strong leadership, interpersonal skills, analytic skills, and ability to lead a flexible workforce.
Excellent organizational, supervisory, decision-making, and planning skills.
Proven ability to manage DE technicians effectively in terms of leading, supervising, coaching, training, and developing direct reports.
Knowledgeable in structural problem solving and analysis such as 5-Why Analysis, Fishbone diagram and 7-Steps.
Understands and can apply Statistical Data Analysis and Statistical Process Control (SPC), structural problem- solving tools (such as DMAIC).
Demonstrate ability to analyze engineering and statistical data, driven corrective/ improvement action accordingly.
Good knowledge on EHS/Safety and Quality systems (ISO14001/ ISO9001/ ISO4500/ OSHA).
Familiarity with Asset Management and Maintenance applications required.
Basic knowledge to work with different computer/ devices applications e.g., Mobile systems, Communication devices, Interface with Machine Control Panels and HMI interface.
Experience with LOTO procedures, Mechanical and Electrical and stored energy hazards with good awareness of Control of Hazardous Energies.
Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs and analysis software.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Ability to drive a forklift.
20/40 vision in each eye separately and both eyes (with or without correction), the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green and peripheral vision >70 degrees is required.
May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
Must comply with all safety standards and procedures.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (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).

Nice To Haves

Experience in vacuum system, thermal, laser systems, electrical, mechanical, and chemical industrial applications is preferred.
Managed or participated in continuous improvement projects is preferred.
Past history of identifying and rectifying safety issues.
Past experience being the person of contact for a tool is preferred.
Past experience successfully troubleshooting issues with a piece of equipment.
Past experience leading a crew of 3-5 people.
Past experience following written procedures and instructions.
Past experience writing standard operating procedures.
Knowledge of Vacuum and Thermal systems, Laser operations, and Wet Chemistry operation are desired.
Knowledge of manufacturing processes, engineering controls, and equipment experience is preferred.
JMP experience a plus.
Maximo/CMMS, SAP, or Oracle preferred.

Responsibilities

Adjust run plans as needed based on tool availability, staffing changes, or production priorities.
Assist with tracking and reporting key operational metrics and communicate issues impacting production goals.
Adheres to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards, including our 5S system.
Responsible for the assigned shift uptime and process control within the HPVD /submodule area, following escalation procedures as needed for support.
Act a 1st level of escalation for submodule tools (process).
Plans and supervises the scheduling of daily work assignments for development engineering technicians assigned to the submodule areas.
Ensure all tests scheduled during shift are executed according to the plan designed by engineering.
Support operations, engineering, and integration teams in identifying, assigning cause and implementing improvement actions on yield excursions and performance issues.
Ensure team is responding to SPC alarms and bring processes back into control.
Provides direction to shift engineering, shift maintenance, onsite contractors, and vendors to ensure and enforce First Solar’s standards and policies. This includes ensuring Environmental Health and Safety requirements are met.
Responsible for communicating systems and policies to direct reports.
Responsible for working with the appropriate departments to handle employee relations issues.
Responsible for training and developing direct reports and setting objectives.
Serves as a liaison for the related functional department for continuous improvement.
Coordinate startups, shutdowns, and changeovers within submodule.
Effective use of internal application software for process and maintenance tracking.
Interfaces with other departments and manages timely completion of ETA/projects as required.
Utilizes structural problem-solving methodology to troubleshoot issues.
Manage time keeping of all assigned shift development engineering technicians, responsible for shift schedule and coordinate with Human Resources for appropriate staffing levels.
Responsible for handling disciplinary actions with the associate involved.
Responsible for effective communication levels and foster team building.
Oversee the responsibilities of development engineering technicians to manage and dispose properly the hazardous waste generated from routine, troubleshooting/ maintenance jobs performed in the either building.
Other duties as assigned.