Production Operator (Days)

Basic Job Functions: The Production Operator is the entry‑level position for solar panel manufacturing at First Solar. The assigned area will be limited to our Finishing operation within the plant. The Production Operator is responsible for the safe operation of specific equipment, materials, and processes to manufacture high‑quality photovoltaic solar modules at the required rate. Core functions include performing operational preventative maintenance procedures, responding to machine alarms, performing basic quality control procedures, and interfacing with equipment and factory computer systems. Education/Experience: No diploma or experience required. Required Skills/Competencies: Safety First mindset. Must be able to work in a team environment. Basic problem‑solving and critical thinking skills. Basic reading, writing, and math skills. Good communication skills. Ability to use mobile systems, communication devices, and simple tool interfaces. Ability to interface with machine control panels, recognize quality, perform data analytics, troubleshoot issues, and problem‑solve. Essential Responsibilities: Adheres to all safety procedures and practices good housekeeping. Performs assigned job duties in accordance with all written work instructions and procedures. Works in a large manufacturing space, often without line‑of‑sight to direct supervision. Performs simple maintenance on equipment in the required time with hand tools and instrumentation. Safely operates and maintains tools and equipment used to manufacture solar modules at acceptable quality and throughput levels per control plan. Ensures proper inventory levels of materials and parts at point of use. Monitors process data and makes decisions based on procedures to maintain process control. Loads or unloads photovoltaic modules as needed to support line rate, isolate quality issues, or as otherwise instructed. Properly identifies modules removed from line. Responds to tool alarms or non‑standard conditions per work instruction and escalates issues that cannot be fixed immediately. Collects data and provides reporting (written, oral, or via computer/devices) when requested. Provides communication with team members and leadership during shift changes. Ensures waste materials are discarded in their designated containers and containers properly sealed. Job description subject to change at any time. Other duties as assigned. Reporting Relationships: No direct reports. Travel: No regular travel is required outside the First Solar work site. Estimated Salary Range: $15.00 hourly Manufacturing & Maintenance 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 58 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. Will lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instructions. 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, 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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr