Basic Job Functions:
Operate equipment used in the manufacturing of photovoltaic solar modules. Conduct shop floor activities necessary to maintain safety, quality and throughput of all aspects of the module manufacturing operation. Setup and operate Vapor Transport Deposition (VTD), and sputter coater equipment, and selected Series 6 equipment as necessary. 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 and Experience:
- High School Diploma or the equivalent from an accredited high school or institution.
- Six (6) months or more experience as a FSLR Manufacturing Operator.
- Safety First mindset.
- Basic mathematic skills.
- Must be able to work in a team environment.
- Basic problem solving skills.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to understand and apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) concepts preferred.
- Certifications on all Series 6 finishing and submodule operations OR all Series 6 coater and HPVD operations.
- Able to troubleshoot and solve problems on the manufacturing line.
- Ability to deal with administrative as well as technical tasks.
- Fundamental computer application knowledge.
- Self-directed, ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Basic mechanical aptitude.
- Operating high-volume manufacturing equipment/process.
- Must be able to obtain/maintain forklift certification and walk behind forklift certification.
- Most recent GPS rating of Solid Contributor (SC) or better.
- Must not be on an active level write up at time of promotion.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Adhere to all safety procedures and practice good housekeeping.
- Perform job duties in accordance to all written work instructions and procedures.
- Operate equipment used to manufacture solar modules at acceptable quality and throughput levels.
- Perform various shop floor manufacturing tasks as necessary.
- Assure proper inventory levels of materials and parts, where needed.
- Make improvement suggestions as necessary using the proper format and process.
- Ensure that the equipment is properly maintained and troubleshoots where necessary.
- Responsible for effective communication and fostering teamwork.
- Solve day-today production, equipment, and process problems.
- 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.
- Support the operation of pilot-line equipment to define a new process.
- Transition new equipment and processes through start-up, qualification, and implementation.
- Develop a complete understanding of area processes, equipment, and support systems.
- Maintain effective communication with supervision, maintenance, and manufacturing engineers.
- Disposition non-conforming product according to established criteria (NCP).
- 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.
- Identify and implement yield and product performance improvements.
- Set-up and maintain gauges.
- Execute planned process experiments, collect and analyze data and report experimental results.
- Collect data relating to daily tool performance and associated product performance.
- In some instances, operate/setup semiconductor and/or sputter coater equipment within specifications defined in the work instructions to optimize output and minimize scrap.
- Occasionally work with engineering teams to run approved tests ensuring all parameters are set as defined in the approved test plan or in the work instructions.
- Occasionally work with the manufacturing engineering team to identity deviations and root causes of equipment malfunctions and/or process variation.
- Train Manufacturing Operator’s as needed for Series 6 processes in accordance to approved work instructions.
- Perform all PM’s as assigned on Series 6 operations and support equipment.
- Respond to SPC process control alarms, bringing processes back into control.
- Able to act as point of contact for floor operations.
- Other duties as assigned.
Reporting Relationships:
Travel:
DNM Physical Requirements:
- Able to perform normal physical movements (e.g. standing & sitting for a long period, lifting, carrying and climbing) according to EHS ergonomic guidelines.
- Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
- Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
- Will lift up to 23 kg on an occasional basis, according to Minister of Health guidelines
- Will lift up to 17 kg on a frequent basis, according to Minister of Health guidelines
- Will push or pull up to 13 kg of force on an occasional basis.
- Will push or pull up to 5 kg of force on a frequent basis.
- May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
- May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
- Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
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.