First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: The Production Technician I is an intermediate level position in the middle submodule to finishing end of the manufacturing process. The core function is to safely operate specific equipment, manage material and processes to manufacture high-quality, photovoltaic solar modules at the required rate. Additionally, Technician I's will be responsible for conducting operational preventative maintenance procedures, addressing intermediate-level alarms, performing basic quality control procedures, and interface with equipment and factory computer systems. Education and Experience: • External candidates must have: • High School Diploma or GED. • Preference for Associate degree or certificate in a technical discipline. • 1+ Year of Manufacturing experience. • Experiences that will be considered as a substitute for direct manufacturing experience: • Warehousing, textile, agriculture, or material inspection. • Honorable military experience in an electrical, mechanical and/or chemical industrial application. • Internal candidates must have: • High School Diploma or GED. • Achieved 60 credits of internal manufacturing-related training. • Endorsement from direct supervisor for a promotion. • A positive rating from direct supervisor related to Safety, Performance, Dependability and Collaboration. Required Skills/Competencies: • Safety First mindset. • Maintain a high standard of quality. • Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. • Basic Math skills appropriate to understand typical manufacturing production metrics. • Must be able to work in a team environment. • Good written and oral communication skills. • Fundamental knowledge to work with different computer applications. • Interface with Machine Control Panels. • Ability to use mobile systems, communication devices, and simple tool interfaces. • Ability to use simple hand tools and measurement tools. • Perform light mechanical maintenance activities utilizing hand tools and measurement devices. • Work in a large area of manufacturing space, often without line-of-sight of direct supervision. Essential Responsibilities: • Adheres to all safety procedures and practice good housekeeping. • Safely operates and maintains tools and equipment to meet acceptable quality and productivity levels. • Completes training in the required timeframe. • Provides on-the-job training to team members when requested. • Performs assigned job duties in accordance with training and direction provided by team leads and supervisor. • Performs maintenance on equipment, in the required time, with hand tools and instrumentation. • Interfaces with equipment computers to monitor parameters and alarms. • Monitors process data & makes decisions based on procedures to maintain process control. • Recognizes conditions that require escalation and provides good communication on issues and recommendations. • Works with cross functional teams to run approved tests. • Provides good communication with team members and leadership during shift changes. • Collaborates with cross functional teams on problem solving. • Collects data and provides reporting (written, oral, or via computer/devices) when requested. • Ensures proper inventory levels of materials and in-process work is available for the next shift. • Ensures waste is discarded timely and appropriately. • Job description subject to change at any time. • Other duties as assigned. Reporting Relationships: • No direct reports. Travel: • 0% - 5% (On occasion/as needed for training, etc.) Estimated Salary Range: • $17.84-$25.00 Hourly US Physical Requirements: • Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day. • Will climb stairs 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 27 pounds of force on an occasional basis. • Will push or pull up to 10 pounds of force on a frequent basis. • Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects repetitively on a frequent basis. • 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without correction) and the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green 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 be able to 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, hearing protection). 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.
See More Details >>Job Description First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: Performs, as directed, all necessary maintenance of the facility, equipment and grounds, in a timely and cost efficient manner. Education and Experience: • High School diploma or equivalent required • Associate's degree in a technical field preferred. • Must meet one of the following: • 6 months First Solar manufacturing experience or • 6 months of outside manufacturing, mechanical, or agricultural experience • Military experience • Graduate from vocational High School with no experience required • Must pass community college entrance exam and complete manufacturing maintenance training program. Required Skills/Competencies: • Verifiable technical skills and/or background. • Ability to work with little supervision. • Demonstrated troubleshooting skill. • Knowledge of computer applications (Word, Excel, Outlook). • Proven communications skills. • Ability to follow safe work practices. • Knowledge of manufacturing equipment preferred. • Proven Electro/Mechanical skills preferred. • Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, vacuum systems and robotics preferred. Essential Responsibilities: • Accomplishes daily assignments as scheduled and as directed. • Performs the on-site service and repair of equipment. • Must meet at least 70% of Estimated Repair Times • Interfaces with other departments. • Follows standard OSHA, EPA and company safe practices on all work assignments. • Ability to read electrical & mechanical drawings and technical manuals. • Performs other assignments as required. • Responsible to manage waste generated from any work that is performed as instructed. • Will complete First Solar Maintenance Technician 1 training program. Reporting Relationships: • No direct reports. Travel: • If hiring to a new plant prior to plant start, associate will be required to spend extended time (60-80%) in another plant in either Ohio or Alabama for training until their assigned plan starts equipment installation Estimated Salary Range: • $18.89- $26.44, Hourly US Physical Requirements: • 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 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 27 pounds of force on an occasional basis. • Will push or pull up to 10 pounds of force on a frequent basis. • Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects repetitively on a frequent basis. • 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without correction) and the ability to distinguish between red, yellow and green 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 be able to 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, hearing protection). • All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is 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 is a driving force in the success of our company.
See More Details >>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 systems, troubleshoot day-to-day manufacturing issues, identify and/or implement system improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield and product performance goals. Will include supporting the operation of pilot-line equipment to define a new process followed by a transition to start-up, qualification, and implementation of the new production process with the eventual evolution into a standard production MET position. Experience & Education: • High School Diploma or GED required and must meet one of the following criteria to qualify: • Associates degree in a technical discipline • 2+ years machine or mechanic experience as a primary job function • One year First Solar technical experience • Six months experience as Temporary Manufacturing Engineering Technician at First Solar Required Skills/Competencies: • Safety first mindset • General electrical/electronic and mechanical knowledge • Self-directed, ability to work with minimal supervision • Good written and oral communications skills in English • Able to trouble shoot and solve problems on the manufacturing line • Ability to deal with administrative as well as technical tasks Essential Responsibilities: • Solve day-to-day production, equipment, and process problems • Identify and implement yield and product performance improvements. • Develop methods to assign causes to yield excursions • Set up and maintain gauges • 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 • Execute planned process experiments, collect and analyze data and report experimental results • Collect data relating to daily tool performance and associated product performance • Provide training to production associates • Develop and update internal documentation including drawings, standard operating procedures, and process specifications • Interface with internal associates and supplier representatives, as required, to complete assigned projects • Develop a complete understanding of area processes, equipment, and support systems • Provide training to production associates • Maintain effective communication with production associates and manufacturing engineers • Disposition non-conforming product according to established criteria (NCP) • Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards • 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 Reporting Relationships: • This position will not have direct reports. Travel: • If hiring to a new plant prior to plant start, associate will be required to spend extended time (60-80%) in another plant in either Ohio or Alabama for training until their assigned plant starts equipment installation Estimated Salary Range: • $18.89 - $26.44 US Physical Requirements: • Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day • Will climb stairs on an occasional basis • Will exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push or pull on a seldom basis • Will lift, push or pull up to 27 pounds on a frequent basis • Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects repetitively on a frequent basis • 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required • Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures • May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis • May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards) All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is 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, pre-employment drug screen, and any other test that may be required for the role. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) 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. Job Identification 1021343 Job Category Technicians Posting Date 05/08/2025, 12:00 PM Locations 1400 Corporate Drive, New Iberia, LA, 70560, US Degree Level High School Graduate Job Schedule Full time Work Schedule CREW A(United States of America)
See More Details >>Entering the solar trade in New Iberia, LA typically begins with an apprenticeship, blending hands-on experience with classroom instruction, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about four to five years, requiring extensive training under experienced professionals. The U.S. solar industry employed 279,447 workers as of December 2023, with projections showing a 6% job growth from 2022 to 2032. Solar apprentices in New Iberia, LA earn an average of $1,134 per week, with an annual overtime average of $49,800. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like NABCEP help aspiring solar professionals find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $100,000 annually for experienced professionals.
