Operations Manager- Manufacturing Technology Scaling

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

• Directs and manages operations in a Pilot Manufacturing Facility for next generation photovoltaic panels.
• Responsible for Operational Safety, Regulatory Compliance, Throughput (Mfg. and Engineering Tests), Equipment Maintenance, Inventory Tracking (WIP, BOM) and Crew Competency.
• Defines and develops operating system for pilot manufacturing to pivot with agility between production and technology development and scaling needs.
• Prepares the line and workforce to ramp to 24x7 operations.
• Communicates effectively with teams translating organizational goals into crew level deliverables; communicates regularly reporting on progress against metrics and constraints.
• Ensures that products and processes introduced are capable of being manufactured to meet the organization’s objectives.
• Acts as an advisor and coach concerning manufacturing related issues to facilitate teamwork and continuous improvement to management and the workforce.
• Controls the AOP spending within approval budget and other operation‑related activities.
• Deploys and provide leadership in continuous improvements and safety initiatives, including leading/participating in global alignment activities.
• Establishes and invests in training and development people/upskills associates, technical competencies and standardize training programs for all plants.

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, business administration, or management discipline (MBA or Master of Engineering or above).
• 8+ years of manufacturing experience w/ 5+ years of Supervisory experience.
• In lieu of a degree:
  • 8+ years in managerial experience in a high‑tech manufacturing environment.
  • 10+ years of manufacturing experience in a technical field or manufacturing environment.
• Direct experience in one or more areas preferred - PV semiconductor, Vacuum Systems, Sputtering, Vision metrologies, Thermal/Oven processes, Wet chemistry and film coating, Scribe Laser, PV module assembly, general robotics/PLC.

• Safety First mentality; proven track record of driving safety culture.
• Proven ability to effectively lead salaried and production associates.
• Proven experience using ERP systems, KPI Dashboards, Statistical Process Control and ISO-Systems.
• Proven ability to train and develop associates.
• Proven Employee Relations Skills and Knowledge of Human Resources Practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as experience with cross‑functional coordination required.
• Demonstrated record of quality, cycle time and cost improvements using TOC, Lean Manufacturing, and Kaizen concepts.
• Technical competency with proven ability to work with and advise engineers on technical matters.
• Solid knowledge of inventory management and control.
• Knowledge of manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Experience in Structured Problem‑Solving Techniques.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing with all levels of the organization.
• Provides leadership and training to accomplish First Solar goals and objectives.
• Attracts, challenges, and develops people of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
  Fluent in English.
• Excellent organizational and managerial skills.

• Safety & 5S:
  • Member of site-safety steering committee; drives and inculcates a strong "safety‑first" culture and world class house‑keeping standards within plant operations to enable a zero‑recordable rate.
  • Timely and appropriate resolution of equipment or process safety concerns.
  • Work with local EHSS team to ensure all equipment & processes are compliant with local regulatory compliances, ISO & RBA requirements in terms of Environment Health and Safety for operation, provide safety leadership to improve safety culture.
• Operations:
  • Provide operational leadership to 24/7 shift teams to ensure all tool/process KPI/KPOs are meeting targets (P90).
  • Accountable for ISO & RBA‑compliance in their area through up‑to‑date process and equipment documentation and training records.
  • Drives the workforce towards a world‑class…