First Solar is leading the world’s sustainable energy future. We are an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries of 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. Our cost-advantaged solar technology boasts the smallest carbon footprint, lowest life cycle water use, and fastest energy payback in the industry. We are delivering solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges including climate change, energy security, water scarcity, and the unsustainable growing consumption of natural resources. At First Solar, you will feel valued, appreciated and challenged, working side-by-side with some of the top minds in the industry. You will be regularly updated on the company’s goals, progress and achievements. First Solar maintains a culture where all associates work together to lead the world’s sustainable energy future. We believe in employee engagement, collaboration, well-being and productivity for all generations and emerging work styles.We’re changing the world. Now, let us start with yours. First Solar is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. First Solar’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by application country, federal, state or local laws; the company prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.
Basic Job Functions:
Supervises the daily production of Photovoltaic modules in accordance with required quality standards and in a cost efficient manner.
Location:
This position will primarily report to one of the three manufacturing sites in the Perrysburg area. Specific site preferences are not guaranteed. Must be willing to work at PGT1, PGT2, or PGT3.
Education and Experience:
High School Diploma or GED required.
Candidate must meet one (1) of the six (6) criteria below:
First Solar Supervisor/Temporary Supervisor experience
First Solar Team Lead /Temporary Team Lead experience
First Solar MMA/MMT experience
Two (2) years supervisory experience in a manufacturing production setting, warehouse, textile, agricultural or material inspection capacity
Two (2) years supervisory experience + six (6) months of First Solar experience
Four (4) years supervisory experience + two (2) years of experience in a manufacturing production setting, warehouse, textile, agricultural or material inspection capacity
Required Skills/Competencies:
Effective communication and supervisory skills.
Efficient Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint Skills.
Proven decision-making skills.
Solid people skills and a positive, outgoing attitude.
Excellent organizational and planning skills.
The ideal candidate should have the ability to think outside the box and to develop unique and timely solutions.
If assigned to coater area: knowledge of vacuum systems and laser operations.
Essential Responsibilities:
Support all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards, including our 5S system.
Directly supervises the daily production of Photovoltaic modules in accordance with required quality standards and in a cost efficient manner in at least one specific area of the plant.
Coordinate on-the-job training of manufacturing associates.
Identify training opportunities to develop and maintain a highly motivated and capable team.
Maintain all associate records in Solar Connect.
Effective use of internal manufacturing software for production tracking.
Maintain accurate time keeping for manufacturing associates in the Kronos system.
Maintains product inventory accuracy.
Utilize Theory of Constraints (TOC) methodology to maximize throughput.
Participate in continuous improvement activities/teams.
Effectively interfaces with other departments.
Support efforts to consistently exceed customer expectations.
Coordinate with Manufacturing Specialist and other supervisors on day-to-day issues.
Evaluate and monitor manufacturing processes ensuring cycle time is being met.
Responsible for eliminating downtime constraints in assigned area (eg: find root cause and resolve the issue, effectively utilize support teams to improve quality and production).
Monitor and maintain training guides and track training progress of team.
Conduct performance appraisals.
Reporting Relationships:
Reports directly to the Manager, Shift
Travel:
Up to 10% of global travel is expected.
US 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).
