Team Lead- Coater USA

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

Basic Job Functions:

• The Production Team Lead is a combination of the Production Technician (level III) and Team Leader role within production operations. The position is for existing experienced First Solar Associates with a sound technical competence and demonstrated ability to collaborate and lead others. The position is for associates aspiring to utilize their skills to help other associates be successful in their training and in fulfilling their job responsibilities. A Production Team Lead is considered a good step toward potentially becoming a Technical Supervisor. The role a Production Team Lead will at times fulfil supervisory-level responsibilities and will be required to carry a company provided communication device. Team leads may also be required to participant in training during off crew days.

• The position retains the responsibilities found with Production Tech II level positions (safe operation of equipment, management of material and processes, maintenance performance, quality control, data analytics and problem solving) all to manufacture high-quality, photovoltaic solar modules at the required rate. A Team Lead of Production Coater Technicians is expected to have the same experience and continue to fulfil a Coater Technician role, inclusive of wearing the appropriate PPE (respirator & Tyvek suit). 

Education/Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED.

  • Preference for Associate degree or certificates in a technical discipline.

• Internal experience:

  • 1+ Year experience as at least a Coater Technician I.

  • Technician Supervisor recommendation is required.

• External experience:

  • 1-year previous Team Lead or supervisory experience.

   

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Safety First mindset.

• Maintain a high standard for quality.

• Good troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

• Math skills appropriate to understand and apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) concepts.

• Able to foster teamwork through collaboration with peers, leadership, and other functional groups.

• Able to lead teams and provide on-the-job training.

• Effective communication 1:1 and in-group setting with peers and leadership.

• Fundamental knowledge to work with different computer applications. 

• Interface with Machine Control Panels.

• Ability to use mobile systems, communication devices, and simple tool interfaces.

• Ability to use simple hand tools and measurement tools.

• Perform mechanical maintenance activities utilizing hand tools and measurement devices.

• Must be able to obtain/maintain forklift certification and/or walk behind forklift certification, if requested.

• Work in a large area of manufacturing space, often without line-of-sight of direct supervision.

Essential 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 their training in the required timeframe.

• Provides on-the-job training or coordinates with others to train team members and validate successful completion.

• Leads their team on job assignments and supports them on resolving issues.

• Performs assigned job duties in accordance with training and direction provided by 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 SPC) & makes decisions based on procedures to maintain process control.

• Recognizes conditions that require escalation and provides good communication on issues and recommendations.

• Works with cross functional teams to run approved tests.

• Collaborates with cross functional teams on problem solving.

• Collects data and provides reporting (written, oral, or via computer/devices) when requested.

• Provides good communication with team members and leadership during shift changes.

• Ensures proper inventory levels of materials and in-process work is available for the next shift.

• Ensures waste is discarded timely and appropriately.

• Job description subject to change at any time.

• Other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position will not have direct reports.

Travel:

• 0% - 5% (On occasion/as needed for training, etc.)

Estimated Salary Range:

• $23.27 - $33.17 Hourly

US 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, according to work instruction.

• Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.

• Will push or pull up to 50 pounds of force on an occasional basis.

• Will push or pull 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 separately and both eyes (with or without correction), the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green and peripheral vision >70 degrees is required.

• 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 is required (including, but not limited to: steel-toed shoes, cut-resistant gloves, jackets, aprons &/or arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) as a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair).

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 and any other tests that may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer 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 are a driving force in the success of our company.