PM Shift)

First Solar•New Iberia, LA

18d•Onsite

About The Position

Operate recycling, wastewater, and ultra-pure water (UPW) processes according to work instructions. The role supports installation and qualification of process equipment, addresses day-to-day process and equipment issues, and identifies or implements improvements that contribute to safety, process efficiency, and performance goals. The technician develops operational knowledge of installed systems, monitors and adjusts process parameters, responds to alarms, troubleshoots equipment, conducts tests and sample analyses, and supports system start-up, commissioning, and qualification. The position also includes maintenance and repair work, instrumentation calibration, documentation and records management, hazardous waste handling, spill response, associate training, and communication with production associates, engineers, suppliers, and other internal partners. The technician follows safety and housekeeping procedures, maintains an orderly work area under 5S guidelines, uses powered industrial equipment to move materials, and provides verbal and written shift pass-downs. The position has no direct reports, requires no travel, and reports to the Supervisor – Recycling & Wastewater.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED with at least 1 year as a First Solar Wastewater & Recycling Technician I, or 3 years of First Solar technical experience, or 6 years in an industrial/commercial operations or technical setting; alternatively, an associate degree in a technical discipline with at least 1 year as a First Solar Wastewater & Recycling Technician I, 2 years of First Solar technical experience, or 3 years in an industrial/commercial operations or technical setting; alternatively, a bachelor's degree in a technical discipline with 0–2 years in an industrial/commercial operations or technical setting.
Safety-first mindset.
Demonstrated understanding of wet chemical processes and chemical compatibilities.
Ability to recognize and respond to process-control alarms and restore processes to control.
Proficiency in process-control troubleshooting and problem solving.
Proficiency with electrical/electronic and mechanical systems.
Ability to apply statistical tools to analyze data and draw conclusions.
Good written and oral communication skills in English.
Ability to handle both administrative and technical tasks.
Solid mechanical aptitude, with hands-on experience.
Self-directed approach and ability to work with minimal supervision.
Ability to operate computerized, PLC-controlled, and mechanical equipment.
Solid problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Basic computer skills, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to comply with safety standards and procedures and to wear required personal protective equipment, including a respirator when required; respirator use requires little or no facial hair.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including lifting, pushing, pulling, repetitive hand use, required vision and color distinction, and occasional climbing, reaching, stooping, kneeling, or bending.
Successful completion of a background check and any other tests required for employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in equipment maintenance and process troubleshooting.
Prior industrial wastewater treatment experience.
Industrial liquid chemical handling experience, including strong acids, strong bases, and concentrated hydrogen peroxide.
Forklift experience.

Responsibilities

Operate recycling, wastewater treatment, and ultra-pure water generation processes according to work instructions and process plans.
Develop a complete operational understanding of installed recycling and water treatment systems and equipment.
Collect process-control data, adjust process parameters, analyze trends, and implement course corrections.
Respond to process-control alarms by evaluating current and previous process trends.
Troubleshoot day-to-day process and equipment problems and escalate process upsets to the engineer and supervisor.
Participate in planned process experiments, collect and analyze data, and report experimental results.
Perform standard tests to verify proper operation of recycling, wastewater, and ultra-pure water systems.
Participate in internal reviews of drawings, standard operating procedures, and process specifications.
Coordinate with internal associates and supplier representatives to complete assigned projects.
Perform maintenance and repairs, including troubleshooting and replacing pumps; coordinate major repairs with the maintenance department, supervisor, and engineer.
Transition new systems and processes through start-up, commissioning, and qualification.
Calibrate instrumentation according to ISO work instructions.
Analyze samples using laboratory equipment.
Maintain accurate records using databases, spreadsheets, and other computer-based programs.
Collect, label, and store hazardous waste within the plant and assist with its shipment according to documented work instructions.
Respond to accidental hazardous-material spills by containing and cleaning them according to HAZMAT standards.
Provide training to production associates and assist with training associates as needed.
Maintain effective communication with area associates and engineers, including verbal and written shift pass-downs and some work-instruction development.
Follow safety procedures and housekeeping standards, discard waste materials in designated containers, and maintain a clean and orderly work environment under 5S guidelines.
Use powered industrial equipment, such as fork trucks, to move materials and chemicals.
Perform other duties as assigned.