Technician- Coater I (Crew B)

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

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. The core function is to safely operate specific equipment, manage material and processes to manufacture high-quality photovoltaic solar modules at the required rate.

Additionally, this role involves conducting operational preventative maintenance procedures, addressing intermediate-level alarms, performing basic quality control procedures, using simple hand tools and systems during floor operations, and conducting training on tasks where certification has been completed.

Responsibilities

• Adheres to all safety procedures and practices good housekeeping.
• Safely operates and maintains tools and equipment to meet acceptable quality and productivity levels.
• Completes training in the required timeframe.
• Provides on-the-job training to team members when requested.
• Performs assigned job duties in accordance with training and direction provided by team leads and supervisor.
• Performs maintenance on equipment, in the required time, with hand tools and instrumentation.
• Operates forklift and crane with proper training and certification (when required).
• Interfaces with equipment computers to monitor parameters and alarms.
• Monitors process data (including use of Statistical Process Control) and makes decisions based on procedures to maintain process control.
• Recognizes conditions that require escalation and provides clear communication on issues and recommendations.
• Works with cross-functional teams to run approved tests and collaborates on problem-solving.
• Collects data and provides reporting (written, oral, or via computer/devices) when requested.
• Communicates effectively with team members and leadership during shift changes.
• Ensures proper inventory levels of materials and in-process work for the next shift.
• Ensures waste is discarded timely and appropriately.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Preference for Associate’s degree or certificate in a technical discipline.
• 2+ years of manufacturing experience, or equivalent experience in warehousing, textile, agriculture, material inspection, or honorable military service in an electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical industrial application.
• For internal candidates: 60 credits of internal manufacturing-related training (in module or semiconductor areas) or equivalent education and 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.
• Ability to perform light mechanical maintenance activities using hand tools and measurement devices.
• Ability to work in a large manufacturing space, often without line-of-sight to 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

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Will climb stairs or steps on a frequent basis.
• Will lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis and up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Will push or pull up to 50 pounds of force on an occasional basis and up to 37 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry, or feel objects on a frequent basis.
• 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without correction), ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green, and peripheral vision greater than 70 degrees.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
• May stoop, kneel, or bend on an occasional basis.
• Must comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (including steel-toed shoes, cut-resistant gloves, jackets, aprons, arm guards, safety glasses, goggles, hearing protection, and respirators) as a condition of employment (requires little or no facial hair).