Our high growth and leadership position in the renewable energy business offers outstanding opportunities to individuals seeking an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries for the 21st century. First Solar is a leader in the development and manufacturing of thin film solar modules used in grid-connected solar power plants, as well as a provider of complete solar generation solutions for U.S. utilities. Our culture is one where teamwork, continuous improvement, achievement of results, and environmental responsibility are core values. We are seeking new associates who are motivated to contribute their talents to making cost-effective solar energy an important part of the world’s energy mix.

Primary Job Functions:

Basic Job Functions:

Assist in the installation and qualification of systems, troubleshoot day-to-day manufacturing issues, identify and/or implement system improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield and product performance goals. Will include supporting the operation of pilot-line equipment to define a new process followed by a transition to start-up, qualification, and implementation of the new production process with the eventual evolution into a standard production MET position.  Primary initial responsibilities will focus on material handling and metrology equipment in Front End of Line (FEOL) facility but cross-training and equipment responsibility on Submodule and/or Laser equipment may also occur. 

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent with 2 years experience as First Solar Master Manufacturing Technician or 2 years First Solar Technical Experience or 6 years Technical experience in a Manufacturing setting or

• Associate’s degree in a technical discipline with 0-3 years technical experience in a Manufacturing setting

Required Skills:

• Safety first mindset

• General electrical/electronic and mechanical knowledge

• Self-directed, ability to work with minimal supervision

• Good written and oral communications skills in English

• Able to trouble shoot and solve problems on the manufacturing line

• Ability to deal with administrative as well as technical tasks

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Solve day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems

• Identify and implement yield and product performance improvements.

• Develop methods to assign causes to yield excursions

• Set up and maintain gauges

• Ensure all processes are running on target as defined by the Process Control Plan

• Respond to SPC process control alarms, bringing processes back into control

• Execute planned process experiments, collect and analyze data and report experimental results

• Collect data relating to daily tool performance and associated product performance

• Provide training to production associates

• Develop and update internal documentation including drawings, standard operating procedures, and process specifications

• Interface with internal associates and supplier representatives, as required, to complete assigned projects

• Develop a complete understanding of area processes, equipment, and support systems

• Provide training to production associates

• Maintain effective communication with production associates and manufacturing engineers

• Disposition non-conforming product according to established criteria (NCP)

• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards

• Ensure waste materials are discarded in their designated containers

• Ensure hazardous waste containers stay closed except when adding or removing waste

• Ensure satellite accumulation containers stay in their designated locations

Physical Requirements:

• Will sit, stand or walk short distances for  up to 12 hours per day

• Will climb stairs on an occasional basis

• Will exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push or pull on a seldom basis

• Will lift, push or pull up to 27 pounds on a frequent basis

• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects repetitively on a frequent basis

• 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required

• Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures

• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis

• May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis

• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards)

• All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) 

Please note: potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role.   All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check, pre-employment drug screen, and any other test that may be required for the role.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.