Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Gaffney, SC (NOW HIRING)

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

Basic Job Functions: 

1. Assist in the installation and qualification of manufacturing equipment, 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 equivalent is required
• Candidates must meet one of the following criteria to qualify:
  • Associate degree or higher in a technical discipline.
  • Two or more years' 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.
• Support the operation of pilot-line equipment to define a new process.
• Transition new equipment and processes through start-up, qualification, and implementation
• 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 Manager- Manufacturing Engineering. 
• This position will not have direct reports.

Travel:

• No travel is required.
• If hired during plant start up, you will be expected to travel to other First Solar locations for training.

Estimated Salary Range:

• 23.00 - 26.44, 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 is a driving force in the success of our company.