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Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Athens, AL (NOW HIRING)

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Manufacturing Associate information

See Athens, AL salary details

$11

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$32

How much do manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing associate in Athens, AL is $20.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $22.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manufacturing associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manufacturing Associate, you need a solid understanding of production processes, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, quality control systems, and safety protocols is typically required, and some roles may prefer certifications like OSHA training. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills help individuals excel in fast-paced, collaborative environments. These abilities ensure efficient production, uphold safety standards, and contribute to consistent product quality.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Associate vs Production Technician?

AspectManufacturing AssociateProduction Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsFactories, production areas, equipment operation
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing companies, assembly plantsManufacturing, industrial facilities, production units
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Manufacturing Associates and Production Technicians both work in manufacturing environments, often performing similar tasks such as assembling products, operating machinery, and ensuring quality. The main differences lie in certifications and technical skills; Production Technicians typically require more technical training or certifications and may handle more complex equipment. Both roles are essential in the manufacturing industry and often overlap in daily responsibilities.

What is a manufacturing associate?

A manufacturing associate assists in the operations of a manufacturing facility and the products that it produces. As a manufacturing associate, your job duties include organizing supplies and raw materials inventory, preparing equipment, and training staff with preparation and production. You may also investigate the manufacturing process to fix any issues and ensure it meets strict regulations. The qualifications for a career as a manufacturing associate typically include a bachelor’s degree and prior manufacturing experience in a similar industry. You also need computer proficiency, as the job may require daily use of multiple software applications, along with mechanical skills to handle a variety of manufacturing tools and equipment.

What are some common challenges manufacturing associates face, and how can they be addressed?

Manufacturing Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent quality under tight deadlines, adapting to rapidly changing production schedules, and ensuring safety in a fast-paced environment. Staying organized, following standardized operating procedures, and communicating effectively with team members can help address these issues. It's also beneficial to actively participate in training programs to stay updated on best practices and safety guidelines, which not only improves performance but can open doors to advancement opportunities within the organization.
What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing jobs in Athens, AL? The most popular types of Manufacturing jobs in Athens, AL are:
What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Associate jobs in Athens, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Associate jobs in Athens, AL are:
What cities near Athens, AL are hiring for Manufacturing Associate jobs? Cities near Athens, AL with the most Manufacturing Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Associate job openings in Athens, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,830 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Technician- Manufacturing Engineer I USA (Crew C)

First Solar

Trinity, AL

$18.56 - $25.98/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


First Solar rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 74 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

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

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.  

Education/Experience: 

  • High School Diploma or GED required and must meet one of the following criteria to qualify: 
  • Associates degree in technical discipline. 
  • 2+ years of machine or mechanic experience as a primary job function. 
  • One year First Solar technical experience. 
  • Six months' experience as Temporary Manufacturing Engineering Technician at First Solar. 

Required Skills/Competencies: 

  • 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 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. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 
  • Job description subject to change at any time. 

Reporting Relationships: 

  • This position reports to the Engineer- Manufacturing.  
  • This position will not have direct reports. 

Travel: 

  •  0 - 5%

Estimated Salary Range: 

  •  $18.56-$25.98

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 is a driving force in the success of our company. 


 


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