
Technician - Coater I (m/w/d)
First Solar
Company Overview
First Solar
Tempe, AZ, United States
1999
Business Model
Renewable Energy
First Solar specializes in the manufacturing of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and provides utility-scale PV power plants. They focus on sustainable energy solutions and are known for their advanced thin-film solar technology.
The company generates revenue primarily through the sale of solar modules, project development, and providing operations and maintenance services for solar power plants. They also engage in the sale of renewable energy credits.
Locations & Geography
First Solar operates in several countries, including the United States, Canada, India, Germany, and Australia. Their global reach allows them to serve a diverse range of markets and customers in the renewable energy sector.
Company Culture
Their mission is to provide sustainable energy solutions that create value for their customers and contribute to a cleaner environment. They emphasize innovation, integrity, and a commitment to quality in all their operations.
First Solar fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages employees to share ideas and drive innovation. They prioritize safety and well-being, ensuring that all employees feel valued and supported.
The company invests in employee development through various training programs and career advancement opportunities. They believe in empowering their workforce with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the renewable energy industry.
Activities & Projects
First Solar is currently involved in several large-scale solar projects across the globe, including utility-scale solar farms in the United States and international markets. They are also expanding their manufacturing capabilities to meet growing demand.
The company is known for its innovative thin-film solar technology, which offers higher efficiency and lower environmental impact compared to traditional solar panels. They continuously invest in research and development to enhance their product offerings.
First Solar is committed to sustainability, utilizing a closed-loop manufacturing process that minimizes waste and promotes recycling of materials. They aim to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute positively to the environment through their operations.
Career Opportunities
Typical job openings at First Solar include positions in engineering, project management, manufacturing, and sales. They seek individuals who are passionate about renewable energy and eager to contribute to their mission.
First Solar offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. They also provide opportunities for professional development and a supportive work-life balance.
Contact Information
Last updated on 2025-03-27 | Report an issue
Job Description
The Production Coater Technician I is an intermediate position responsible for the beginning of the manufacturing process inclusive of the “coating” application of the semiconductor. 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, using simple hand tools and systems during floor operations, and conduct training on tasks where they have completed certification.
Education and Experience
- External candidates must have:
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Preference for Associate degree or certificate in a technical discipline.
- 2+ Year of Manufacturing experience.
- Experience 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 and achieved 60 credits of internal manufacturing-related training (in module or semiconductor areas of the line) or education and experience as outlined for an external candidate.
- Endorsement from direct supervisor for a promotion.
- Received a positive rating from direct supervisor related to Safety, Performance, Dependability, and Collaboration.
- High School Diploma or GED.
Required Skills/Competencies
- Safety First mindset.
- Maintain a high standard of Quality.
- Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Math skills appropriate to understand and apply Statistical Process Control (SPC) concepts.
- 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 to direct supervision.
- Must be able to obtain/maintain forklift certification and/or walk behind forklift certification, if requested.
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.
- Operates forklift and crane with proper training and certification (when required).
- Works with cross functional teams to run approved tests.
- Provides good communication with team members and leadership during shift changes.
- Interfaces with equipment computers to monitor parameters and alarms.
- Monitors process data (including use of SPC) & makes decisions based on procedures to maintain process control.
- Recognizes conditions that require escalation and provides good communication on issues and recommendations.
- 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 and below the waist heights 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).
- Coater Technicians are required to wear full and half mask respirators (requires no facial hair), typically with a full body Tyvek suit for routine operational and maintenance tasks.
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.
About the role
February 3, 2025
Full Time
Company
March 26, 2025
On-site
USD 17–25 per hour
- New Iberia, Louisiana, United States
2+ years of manufacturing experience
UTC-06:00
Apply now
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