Team Lead- Coater ; Crew

Job Description

The Production Team Lead is a combination of the Production Technician (level III) and Team Leader roles within production operations. The position is for existing experienced First Solar Associates with sound technical competence and a demonstrated ability to collaborate and lead others. It offers a pathway toward becoming a Technical Supervisor and may involve supervisory‑level responsibilities, including carrying a company‑provided communication device and participating in training during off‑crew days.

• Adhere to all safety procedures and maintain good housekeeping.
• Safely operate and maintain tools and equipment to meet quality and productivity goals.
• Complete required training within the specified timeframe.
• Provide or coordinate on‑the‑job training for team members and verify successful completion.
• Lead the team on job assignments and support issue resolution.
• Perform equipment maintenance using hand tools and instrumentation.
• Operate forklift and crane with proper training and certification when required.
• Interface with equipment computers to monitor parameters and alarms.
• Monitor process data, including SPC, and make decisions based on procedures to maintain process control.
• Escalate conditions that require attention and communicate issues and recommendations clearly.
• Work with cross‑functional teams to run approved tests and collaborate on problem solving.
• Collect data and provide written, oral, or electronic reporting when requested.
• Communicate effectively with team members and leadership during shift changes.
• Manage inventory levels of materials and in‑process work to support the next shift.
• Discard waste in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Education/Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Preference for an Associate degree or certificates in a technical discipline.
• 1+ year experience as at least a Coater Technician I.
• Technician Supervisor recommendation required.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Safety‑first mindset.
• High standard for quality.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in Statistical Process Control (SPC) concepts.
• Teamwork through collaboration with peers and cross‑functional groups.
• Leadership and on‑the‑job training capability.
• Effective communication (1:1 and group settings).
• Fundamental knowledge of various computer applications.
• Interface with machine control panels.
• Capability to use mobile systems, communication devices, and simple tool interfaces.
• Use of hand tools and measurement tools; perform mechanical maintenance with hand tools and instrumentation.
• Ability to obtain/maintain forklift or walk‑behind forklift certification if required.
• Comfort working in large manufacturing spaces with occasional unsupervised operation.

• This position will not have direct reports.

• 0% – 5% (occasionally or as needed for training).

• $22.60 – $32.21

• Can sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Can climb stairs or steps frequently.
• Can lift up to 58 pounds occasionally and 37 pounds frequently.
• Can push or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally and 37 pounds frequently.
• Requires frequent use of hands for grasping, lifting, handling, carrying, or feeling objects.
• 20/40 vision required, with peripheral vision >70°, and color discrimination for red, yellow, and green.
• Can reach above shoulder height and below waist frequently; may stoop, kneel, or bend occasionally.
• Must comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including steel‑toed shoes, cut‑resistant gloves, jackets, aprons, arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection, and respirators; facial hair must be minimal or none.

Potential candidates must meet the above education and experience requirements and must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.

First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects diversity and inclusion. The company recruits, hires, trains, and promotes all employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Diversity and inclusion drive the company's success.