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 Operator is the entry-level position for solar panel manufacturing at First Solar, focused on the Finishing operation within the plant. The core function is the safe operation of specific equipment, materials, and processes to manufacture high-quality photovoltaic solar modules at the required rate. Operators perform preventative maintenance, respond to machine alarms, conduct basic quality control, and interface with equipment and factory computer systems.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to all safety procedures and maintain good housekeeping.
• Perform assigned job duties in accordance with written work instructions and procedures.
• Work in a large manufacturing space, often without line-of-sight to direct supervision.
• Perform simple maintenance on equipment using hand tools and instrumentation.
• Safely operate and maintain tools and equipment to manufacture solar modules at acceptable quality and throughput levels per control plan.
• Ensure proper inventory levels of materials and parts at point of use.
• Monitor process data and make decisions based on procedures to maintain process control.
• Load or unload photovoltaic modules to support line rate, isolate quality issues, or as instructed.
• Properly identify modules removed from the line.
• Respond to tool alarms or non-standard conditions per work instruction and escalate unresolved issues.
• Collect data and provide reporting (written, oral, or via computer/devices) when requested.
• Communicate with team members and leadership during shift changes.
• Ensure waste materials are discarded in designated containers and containers are properly sealed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Safety-first mindset.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Basic problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Basic reading, writing, and math skills.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to use mobile systems, communication devices, and simple tool interfaces.
• Ability to interface with machine control panels, recognize quality, perform data analytics, troubleshoot issues, and problem-solve.

Qualifications

No diploma or prior experience required.

Physical Requirements

• Sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Climb stairs or steps on a frequent basis.
• Lift up to 58 pounds occasionally and up to 37 pounds frequently.
• Push or pull up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 37 pounds frequently.
• Use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry, or feel objects on a frequent basis.
• 20/40 vision in both eyes (with or without correction) and ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green.
• Reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
• Stoop, kneel, or bend on an occasional basis.
• Comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• Wear personal protective equipment (e.g., steel-toed shoes, cut-resistant gloves, jackets, aprons, arm guards, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators) as a condition of employment; may require little or no facial hair.

Pay

$15 - $20.19 per hour (US).

Schedule

Up to 12 hours per day.

All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other required tests.