Production Technician I USA (D Crew/PM Shift)

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

About the role

The Production Technician I is an intermediate-level position in the middle submodule to finishing end of the manufacturing process. The core function is to safely operate specific equipment, manage material and processes to manufacture high-quality, photovoltaic solar modules at the required rate. Technicians will conduct operational preventative maintenance procedures, address intermediate-level alarms, perform basic quality control procedures, and interface with equipment and factory computer systems.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Preference for Associate degree or certificate in a technical discipline.
• 1+ year of manufacturing experience.
• Substitute experiences considered: warehousing, textile, agriculture, material inspection, or honorable military experience in an electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical industrial application.

Skills & Competencies

• Safety-first mindset.
• High standard of quality.
• Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Basic math skills for manufacturing production metrics.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Fundamental knowledge of computer applications.
• Ability to interface with machine control panels, mobile systems, and communication devices.
• Proficiency with simple hand tools and measurement tools.
• Ability to perform light mechanical maintenance activities.
• Capability to work in large manufacturing spaces, often without direct supervision.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to all safety procedures and maintain good housekeeping.
• Safely operate and maintain tools and equipment to meet quality and productivity standards.
• Complete training within the required timeframe.
• Provide on-the-job training to team members when requested.
• Perform assigned job duties as directed by training and supervision.
• Perform maintenance on equipment using hand tools and instrumentation.
• Interface with equipment computers to monitor parameters and alarms.
• Monitor process data and make decisions based on procedures to maintain process control.
• Recognize and escalate conditions requiring attention, providing clear communication on issues and recommendations.
• Work with cross-functional teams to run approved tests and solve problems.
• Collect and report data (written, oral, or via computer/devices) as requested.
• Communicate effectively during shift changes.
• Ensure proper inventory levels of materials and in-process work for the next shift.
• Ensure timely and appropriate disposal of waste.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Frequent climbing of stairs or steps.
• Occasional lifting of up to 58 pounds.
• Frequent lifting of up to 37 pounds.
• Occasional pushing or pulling of up to 50 pounds of force.
• Frequent pushing or pulling of up to 37 pounds of force.
• Frequent use of hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry, or feel objects.
• 20/40 vision in both eyes (with or without correction) and ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green.
• Frequent reaching above shoulder heights and below the waist.
• Occasional stooping, kneeling, or bending.
• Compliance with all safety standards and procedures.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (e.g., steel-toed shoes, cut-resistant gloves, jackets, aprons, arm guards, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators).
• Positions requiring PIV operation: 20/40 vision in each eye separately and both eyes (with or without correction), ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green, and peripheral vision >70 degrees.

Pay

$18.00 - $25.00 per hour.

Schedule

Travel: 0% - 5% (occasional, as needed for training). If hired during plant start-up, travel to other First Solar locations for training may be required.