Solar Assistant Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

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 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 with 1 year experience as First Solar Manufacturing Engineering Technician I or 3 years First Solar Technical experience or 10 years technical experience in a Manufacturing setting, OR
• Associate's degree in a technical discipline with at least 1 year as First Solar Manufacturing Engineering Technician I or 2 years First Solar Technical Experience or at least 3 years technical experience in a Manufacturing setting, OR  
• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline with 0-2 year technical experience in a Manufacturing setting.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Safety-first mindset.
• Self-directed, ability to work with minimal supervision and lead project assignments.
• Fluent with Microsoft Office Suite
• Good written and oral communications skills in English. Ability to communicate on a regular basis with all levels of associates.
• Ability to perform administrative as well as technical tasks.
• Ability to read equipment schematics, interpret mechanical drawings, and confirm accuracy to print.
• Able to use analytical skills to read charts and graphs to find trends. Develop ability to apply statistical methods/tools to analyze data and provide conclusions.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of facilities, mechanical components, and electrical/electronic systems.  
• Demonstrated proficiency in troubleshooting and problem solving on equipment & sub-systems in the manufacturing line
• Prior experience or demonstrated ability to assemble FS VTD distributor and related components. Prior FS strib builder or coater tech experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage the operation, calibration, and preventative maintenance of deposition process equipment and systems.
• Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends, holidays as required successfully completing projects and or resolving production equipment issues.
• Must be able to travel to First Solar or vendor locations globally on project assignments. Possible 10% annual travel / passport required.  

Essential Responsibilities:

• Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Provide excellent organization and time-management skills. Assist in solving production equipment problems for critical downs and systemic issues.
• Review data relating to daily tool performance and attend/present in factory performance meetings as needed. Responsible to proactively schedule needed repairs/rebuilds based on tool performance trending data.
• Maintain effective communication with production associates, manufacturing engineers, development engineers, and vendors as required. Interface directly with internal associates and supplier representatives, as required, to complete assigned projects.
• Demonstrate a complete understanding of area processes, equipment, and support systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency in training of production associates, maintenance, technicians, and new engineers on operations, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance of deposition process equipment and systems.
• Routinely develops work instructions or procedures from best-known methods. Develop and update internal documentation including assembly drawings, standard operating procedures, and equipment specifications.
• Responsible for day-to-day construction and inventory of production and test distributors, spare parts supply, for production and test components.
• Maintains data collection relating to distributor inventory, performance and associated product performance.
• Communicates distributor allocation to production and engineering groups for each coater. Ensuring distributor availability for all coaters. Works with Engineering to identify deviations and root causes of distributor malfunctions.
• Administrative responsibility for writing service report requests, warranty RMA requests. Will routinely submit CMS white papers for equipment projects and engineering changes.
• Coordinates downtime requests, work orders, warranty, and upgrade activities with facilities, operations, and vendors.
• Coordinates support of global deposition equipment and participates in standing meetings with associates globally.  
• Troubleshoots intermittent, chronic, and long-term systemic issues on all deposition equipment to reduce & eliminate unplanned downtime
• Will plan, oversee, and execute installations of approved engineering changes.
• Responsible to perform necessary maintenance as an individual contributor when necessary
• Performs other assignments as required.
• Responsible to identify and recommend opportunities for cost savings.
• Job description subject to change at any time.  

Reporting Relationships:

• This position will not have direct reports.

Travel:

• 5% - 10%

Estimated Salary Range:

• $23.37-$32.69

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.