Technical Tool Lead

Job Description

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

• Will act as a consultant for test execution in pilot line, often addressing and resolving material handling issues.
• Identify and implement system improvements to achieve performance goals including people utilization, and proper personnel alignment with test complexity.
• Support the production floor by creating and maintaining daily task schedules.
• Assist with WIP and operational planning.
• Monitors the daily production of Photovoltaic modules, coupons and/or E-plates in accordance with required quality standards and in a cost-efficient manner on the pilot line.
• Drive tool level troubleshooting and standard process issues to conclusion and identify root cause.
• Can identify and implement operation and tool system improvements to achieve performance goals.

• High school diploma or GED plus 3 years of supervisory experience with 2 years technical work experience in manufacturing, maintenance, or engineering OR
• High school diploma or GED plus 5 years of technical experience at First Solar OR
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, mechanical or electrical field with no experience.
• Experience in vacuum system, thermal, laser systems, electrical, mechanical, and chemical industrial applications is preferred.
• Managed or participated in continuous improvement projects is preferred.
• Past history of identifying and rectifying safety issues.
• Past experience being the person of contact for a tool is preferred.
• Past experience successfully troubleshooting issues with a piece of equipment.
• Past experience leading a crew of 3-5 people.
• Past experience following written procedures and instructions.
• Past experience writing standard operating procedures.

• Knowledge of Vacuum and Thermal systems, Laser operations, and Wet Chemistry operation are desired.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, engineering controls, and equipment experience is preferred.
• Excellent process and equipment troubleshooting and structural problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Possess strong leadership, interpersonal skills, analytic skills, and ability to lead a flexible workforce.
• Excellent organizational, supervisory, decision-making, and planning skills.
• Proven ability to manage DE technicians effectively in terms of leading, supervising, coaching, training, and developing direct reports.
• Knowledgeable in structural problem solving and analysis such as 5-Why Analysis, Fishbone diagram and 7-Steps.
• Understands and can apply Statistical Data Analysis and Statistical Process Control (SPC), structural problem- solving tools (such as DMAIC).
• Demonstrate ability to analyze engineering and statistical data, driven corrective/ improvement action accordingly. JMP experience a plus.
• Good knowledge on EHS/Safety and Quality systems (ISO
  14001/ ISO
  9001/ ISO
  4500/ OSHA).
• Familiarity with Asset Management and Maintenance applications required. Maximo/CMMS, SAP, or Oracle preferred.
• Basic knowledge to work with different computer/ devices applications e.g., Mobile systems, Communication devices, Interface with Machine Control Panels and HMI interface.
• Experience with LOTO procedures, Mechanical and Electrical and stored energy hazards with good awareness of Control of Hazardous Energies.
• Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs and analysis software.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to drive a forklift.

• Adjust run plans as needed based on tool availability, staffing changes, or production priorities.
• Assist with tracking and reporting key operational metrics and communicate issues impacting production goals.
• Adheres to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards, including our 5S system.
• Responsible for the assigned shift uptime and process control within the HPVD /submodule area, following escalation procedures as needed for support.
• Act a 1st level of escalation for submodule tools (process).
• Plans and supervises the scheduling of daily work assignments for development engineering technicians assigned to the submodule areas.
• Ensure all tests scheduled during shift are executed according to the plan designed by engineering.
• Support operations, engineering, and integration teams in identifying, assigning cause and implementing improvement actions on yield excursions and performance issues.
• Ensure team is responding to SPC alarms and bring processes back into control.
• Provides direction to shift engineering, shift maintenance, onsite contractors, and vendors to ensure and enforce First Solar’s standards and policies. This includes ensuring Environmental Health and Safety requirements are met.
• Responsible for communicating systems and policies to direct reports.
• Responsible for working with the appropriate departments to handle employee relations issues.
• Responsible for training and developing direct reports and setting…