Automation Technician (All Crews/All PGT Plants)

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.

About the role

This is an entry-level Automation Technician controls position where a successful candidate will support manufacturing operations, assist with equipment implementation/startup, PLC/HMI programming, and troubleshooting/optimization of manufacturing process control systems. This position directly supports a manufacturing site and will be assigned to a manufacturing schedule on either AM or PM crew/shift.

Schedule

AM shift: 6:00 AM – 6:10 PM
PM shift: 6:00 PM – 6:10 AM

This results in a rotating 36/48-hour work week schedule, which includes working every other Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Pay

$26.97 - $38.46 hourly

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of manufacturing equipment electrical/electronic/controls experience.
• Associate/Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Robotics, Industrial Controls, or Electronic Engineering (preferred).
• No Degree – Must have 5+ years verifiable experience in a related field (e.g., Semiconductors, Automotive).

Skills

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and set priorities.
• Ability to interpret data and make reasonable conclusions to assist in troubleshooting processes.
• Good understanding/knowledge of reading electrical/mechanical drawings and suggesting modifications as required.
• Good understanding/knowledge of manufacturing processes and safety requirements.
• Demonstrated proficiency and problem-solving ability to troubleshoot electrical/electronic control systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Competent in Autodesk AutoCAD drafting software to create electrical schematic and panel layouts.
• Good understanding/knowledge of programming/troubleshooting Rockwell Automation Logix platform PLCs.
• Good understanding/knowledge of programming/troubleshooting Rockwell Automation Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) utilizing FactoryTalk View ME; Proface HMI experience a plus.
• Good understanding of troubleshooting at least two control networks including ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, and/or Ethernet.
• Basic understanding/knowledge of robotic systems including troubleshooting, programming, and safety.
• Good understanding of computer hardware/applications and the Microsoft Office family.
• Basic understanding of corporate Ethernet architectures and systems.
• Proficient communication skills both verbal and written.
• Basic understanding of SQL Database tables/queries.
• Basic understanding of data collection processes and OPC protocols.

Responsibilities

• Support manufacturing facilities, including remote support of worldwide manufacturing facilities.
• Troubleshoot, repair, problem-solve, and maintain all electrical control systems for manufacturing equipment.
• Assist with coordination of new equipment installation and implementation, including MES integration events.
• Maintain and update manufacturing process tool electrical drawings, ensuring the tracking of equipment changes is documented and drawings are kept current.
• Implement new software changes/upgrades specified by the Controls Engineering Department.
• Identify, research, document, and present solutions to control problems and continuous improvement projects.
• Interface with multiple departments within the organization, maintaining effective communications levels and fostering team building.
• Ensure adherence to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Take responsibility for understanding client requirements, collecting data, delivering analysis, and problem resolution.
• Identify, evaluate, and recommend options, implementing if required.
• Collaborate with and facilitate stakeholder groups as part of formal or informal consultancy agreements.
• Seek to fully address client needs, enhancing the capabilities and effectiveness of client personnel by ensuring proposed solutions are properly understood and appropriately exploited.
• Maintain awareness of opportunities provided by new technology to address challenges or enable new ways of working.
• Within own sphere of influence, work to further organizational goals by using emerging technologies and products.
• Contribute to briefings and presentations about the relevance and potential value of new technologies to the organization.
• Assist with the collection of safety assurance evidence, undertaking all work in accordance with agreed safety, technical, and quality standards, using appropriate methods and tools.
• Document the results of hazard and risk analysis activities.
• Investigate and recommend components and subsystems that meet sustainability criteria.
• Perform, analyze, and document evaluations according to a plan, excluding expert reviews.
• Configure software and equipment and test platform-specific versions of one or more software products.
• Report the outcome of testing and identify potential improvements to the process and software products according to agreed designs and standards.
• Use system management software and tools to collect agreed performance statistics.
• Carry out agreed system software maintenance tasks.
• Identify and resolve issues with applications, following agreed procedures.
• Use application management software and tools to collect agreed performance statistics.
• Carry out agreed applications maintenance tasks.
• Carry out agreed operational procedures of a routine nature.
• Contribute to maintenance, installation, and problem resolution.
• Identify and resolve network problems following agreed procedures.
• Use network management software and tools to collect agreed performance statistics.
• Carry out agreed network maintenance tasks.
• Initiate and monitor actions to investigate and resolve problems in systems and services.
• Assist with the implementation of agreed remedies and preventative measures.
• Receive and handle requests for support following agreed procedures.
• Respond to requests for support by providing information to enable incident resolution and promptly allocate unresolved calls as appropriate.
• Maintain records and advise relevant persons of actions taken.
• Other duties as assigned.