Technician- Coater I (Crew A)
First Solar · Trinity, AL · 1 wk ago
Engineering$20.5–$25/hrFull-time
About the Role
The Production Coater Technician I is an intermediate position responsible for the beginning of the manufacturing process, specifically the coating application of the semiconductor. This role focuses on safely operating equipment, managing materials and processes to produce high-quality photovoltaic solar modules at the required rate.
Responsibilities
- Adhere to all safety procedures and maintain good housekeeping.
- Safely operate and maintain tools and equipment to meet quality and productivity standards.
- Complete required training within the specified timeframe.
- Provide on-the-job training to team members when requested.
- Perform assigned job duties as directed by team leads and supervisors.
- Perform maintenance on equipment using hand tools and instrumentation.
- Operate forklifts and cranes with proper training and certification when required.
- Interface with equipment computers to monitor parameters and alarms.
- Monitor process data (including Statistical Process Control) and make decisions based on procedures to maintain process control.
- Recognize conditions requiring escalation and communicate issues and recommendations effectively.
- 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 with team members and leadership during shift changes.
- Ensure proper inventory levels of materials and in-process work for the next shift.
- Discard waste timely and appropriately.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED (required).
- Associate’s degree or certificate in a technical discipline (preferred).
- 2+ years of manufacturing experience.
- Substitute experience considered: warehousing, textile, agriculture, material inspection, or honorable military experience in electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical industrial applications.
- For internal candidates: 60 credits of internal manufacturing-related training or equivalent education/experience, endorsement from direct supervisor for promotion, and a positive rating in Safety, Performance, Dependability, and Collaboration.
Skills
- Safety-first mindset.
- High standard of quality.
- Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Math skills to understand and apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) concepts.
- 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.
- Proficiency with mobile systems, communication devices, and simple tool interfaces.
- Ability to use simple hand tools and measurement tools.
- Perform light mechanical maintenance using hand tools and measurement devices.
- Ability to work in large manufacturing spaces, often without direct supervision.
- Ability to obtain/maintain forklift certification and/or walk-behind forklift certification if requested.
Pay
Estimated salary range: $20.50–$25.00 USD per hour.
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 each eye (with or without correction), ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green, and peripheral vision >70 degrees.
- Frequent reaching above shoulder heights and below the waist.
- Occasional stooping, kneeling, or bending.
- Compliance with all safety standards and procedures, including wearing personal protective equipment (e.g., steel-toed shoes, cut-resistant gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators).
- Little or no facial hair may be required for respirator use.