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First Solar

Technician- Manufacturing Engineer I USA

First Solar · United, LA

  • On site
  • Full-time
  • $57,000 / year
  • United, LA

Job highlights

  • Assist in system installation and troubleshooting manufacturing issues.
  • Improve throughput, yield, and product performance.
  • Requires technical education or relevant experience.
  • Solve production, equipment, and process problems.
  • Provide training and develop documentation.

About the role

Manufacturing Engineering Technician

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.

Education/Experience:

High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

Candidates must meet one of the following criteria to qualify:

  • Associates degree in a technical discipline
  • Two or more 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
  • Assist with critical process alignment of laser systems and scribe parameters
  • Follow PM procedures for all laser systems and assure completion of PM’s when due
  • Run daily measurement routines on “Microvu” optical comparator and implement accurate changes to lasers as necessary
  • Continuously monitor production line lasers to ensure product quality.
  • Act as point of contact for production personnel with regards to laser issues.

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.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

This position reports to the Lead- Technical Group. This position will not have direct reports.

Travel:

10% travel may be required during given year.

Physical Requirements:

Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day. Will climb stairs or steps 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 50 pounds of force on an occasional basis. Will push or pull up to 37 pounds of force on a frequent basis. Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis. 20/40 vision in both eyes (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 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 or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) and a condition of employment and continued employment (may require 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.

Key skills/competency

  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Troubleshooting
  • Process Improvement
  • Mechanical Knowledge
  • Electrical Knowledge
  • Data Analysis
  • Problem Solving
  • Documentation
  • SOP Development
  • Quality Control

Skills & topics

  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Technician
  • First Solar
  • Process Improvement
  • Troubleshooting
  • Mechanical
  • Electrical
  • Yield Improvement
  • Quality Control
  • US
  • Entry Level
  • Associate Degree
  • Technical Support

How to get hired

  • Tailor your resume: Highlight technical skills, mechanical aptitude, and troubleshooting experience relevant to manufacturing engineering.
  • Showcase problem-solving: Emphasize your ability to identify root causes of yield excursions and implement solutions.
  • Demonstrate safety focus: Mention your commitment to safety protocols and proper waste disposal procedures.
  • Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss your understanding of electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems.
  • Understand the role: Familiarize yourself with First Solar's manufacturing processes, particularly laser systems and optical comparators.

Technical preparation

Review electrical and mechanical system fundamentals.,Practice troubleshooting common manufacturing issues.,Familiarize yourself with SPC and process control.,Study laser system operation and maintenance.

Behavioral questions

Describe a time you improved a process.,How do you handle working with minimal supervision?,Give an example of a complex problem you solved.,How do you ensure adherence to safety procedures?

Frequently asked questions

What are the minimum education requirements for the Manufacturing Engineering Technician role at First Solar?
A High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Candidates can qualify with an Associate's degree in a technical discipline, two or more years of machine or mechanic experience, one year of First Solar technical experience, or six months of experience as a Temporary Manufacturing Engineering Technician at First Solar.
What specific technical skills are crucial for a Manufacturing Engineering Technician at First Solar?
Key technical skills include general electrical, electronic, and mechanical knowledge, the ability to troubleshoot manufacturing line issues, proficiency with laser systems, and experience with optical comparators like the 'Microvu'.
Does the Manufacturing Engineering Technician role involve any travel with First Solar?
Yes, up to 10% travel may be required during the year for this role.
What are the physical demands of the Manufacturing Engineering Technician position at First Solar?
The role involves prolonged standing/walking, frequent stair climbing, lifting up to 37 lbs frequently (58 lbs occasionally), and pushing/pulling up to 37 lbs frequently (50 lbs occasionally). Specific vision requirements and the ability to wear personal protective equipment are also necessary.
How does First Solar approach diversity and inclusion for its Manufacturing Engineering Technician roles?
First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. They view diversity as a driver of success.
What is the reporting structure for a Manufacturing Engineering Technician at First Solar?
This position reports to the Lead- Technical Group and does not have direct reports.
What does 'disposition non-conforming product' mean in the context of this Manufacturing Engineering Technician job?
It means that the Manufacturing Engineering Technician will assess and determine the appropriate action for products that do not meet established quality criteria (NCP).