Process Technician

First Solar is hiring a Process Technician in Lafayette, LA. The role involves installing and qualifying systems, troubleshooting manufacturing issues, and implementing process improvements. Candidates need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant technical experience. Key skills include mechanical knowledge and problem-solving abilities. The position requires on-site work with potential travel for training at other plants in Ohio or Alabama before the assigned plant starts operations.
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:

o Associates degree in a technical discipline

o 2+ years machine or mechanic experience as a primary job function

o One year First Solar technical experience

o 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 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 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.

Company DescriptionFirst Solar in Louisiana
First Solar is expanding its American solar manufacturing footprint into the heart of Acadiana in Iberia Parish with a new advanced manufacturing facility, which is expected to be commissioned in the first half of 2026. The new facility will use First Solar’s proprietary process to transform sheets of glass into fully functioning solar panels - capable of generating clean electricity from sunlight - in approximately four-and-a-half hours.