Technician- Automation I USA (C Crew/AM Shift)

First Solar is seeking an entry-level Automation Technician for their New Iberia, LA facility, working on the C Crew/AM Shift. The role involves supporting manufacturing operations, equipment startup, PLC/HMI programming, and troubleshooting control systems. Candidates should have at least 2 years of relevant experience or 5+ years without a degree. Key skills include electrical/mechanical drawing interpretation, proficiency in Rockwell Automation systems, and problem-solving abilities. The position entails a rotating work schedule and responsibilities include maintaining electrical systems and supporting new equipment implementations.
Job Description

Basic Job Functions:

The following is an entry level Automation Technician controls position were a successful candidate will be required to support manufacturing operations, assist with equipment implementation/startup, , PLC/HMI programing, and trouble-shooting/optimization of manufacturing processes control systems. This position directly supports a manufacturing site, the successful candidate will be assigned to a manufacturing schedule on either AM or PM crew/shift. AM shift is 6:00AM - 6:10PM. PM shift is 6:00PM - 6:10AM. This results in a rotating 36/48 hour work week schedule, which includes working every other Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Education/Experience:
• Minimum 2 years of manufacturing equipment electrical/electronic/controls experience.
• Associate/Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Robotics, Industrial Controls, or Electronic Engineering (preferred)
• No Degree - Must have 5+ years verifiable experience in a related field, (i.e., Semiconductors, Automotive etc.)

Required Skills/Competencies:
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks and set priorities.
• Ability to interpret data and make reasonable conclusions to assist in trouble-shooting process.
• Good understanding/knowledge of reading electrical/mechanical drawings and suggest modifications as required.
• Good understanding/knowledge of manufacturing processes and safety requirements.
• Demonstrated proficiency and problem solving ability to trouble-shoot electrical/electronic control systems in manufacturing environment.
• Competent in Autodesk AutoCAD drafting software to create electrical schematic and panel layouts.
• Good understanding/knowledge programming/trouble-shooting of Rockwell Automation Logix platform PLC’s
• Good understanding/knowledge programming/trouble-shooting Rockwell Automation Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) utilizing FactoryTalk View ME; Proface HMI experience a plus.
• Good understanding trouble-shooting at least two control network including ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus and/or Ethernet.
• Basic understanding/knowledge of robotic systems including trouble-shooting, programming, safety.
• Good understanding of computer hardware/applications and the Microsoft Office family.
• Basic understanding of corporate Ethernet architectures and systems.
• Proficient communications skills both verbal and written.
• Basic understanding of SQL Database tables/queries.
• Basic understanding of data collection processes and OPC protocols.

Essential Responsibilities:

Primary Responsibilities:
• Responsible for support of manufacturing facilities, including remote support of world-wide manufacturing facilities.
• Responsible to troubleshoot, repair, problem-solve, and maintain all electrical control systems for manufacturing equipment.
• Responsible to assist with coordination of new equipment installation and implementation; including of MES integration events.
• Responsible for maintaining and updating of manufacturing process tool electrical drawings, ensuring the tracking of equipment changes is documented and drawings are kept current.
• Responsible to implement new software changes/upgrades specified by the Controls Engineering Department
• Responsible to identify, research, document and present solutions to control problems and continuous improvement projects
• Responsible to interface with multiple departments within the organization.
• Maintain effective communications levels and fosters team building.
• Ensures adherence to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.

Key Competencies:
• Takes responsibility for understanding client requirements, collecting data, delivering analysis and problem resolution. Identifies, evaluates and recommends options, implementing if required. Collaborates with, and facilitates stakeholder groups, as part of formal or informal consultancy agreements. Seeks to fully address client needs, enhancing the capabilities and effectiveness of client personnel, by ensuring that proposed solutions are properly understood and appropriately exploited.
• Maintains awareness of opportunities provided by new technology to address challenges or to enable new ways of working. Within own sphere of influence, works to further organizational goals, by the use of emerging technologies and products. Contributes to briefings and presentations about their relevance and potential value to the organization.
• Assists with the collection of safety assurance evidence, undertaking all work in accordance with agreed safety, technical and quality standards, using appropriate methods and tools. Documents the results of hazard and risk analysis activities.
• Investigates and recommends components and subsystems that meet sustainability criteria.
• Performs, analyses and documents evaluations according to a plan, excluding expert reviews.
• Configures software and equipment and tests platform-specific versions of one or more software products. Reports the outcome of testing and identifies potential improvements to the process and to the software products according to agreed designs and standards.
• Uses system management software and tools to collect agreed performance statistics. Carries out agreed system software maintenance tasks.
• Identifies and resolves issues with applications, following agreed procedures. Uses application management software and tools to collect agreed performance statistics. Carries out agreed applications maintenance tasks.
• Carries out agreed operational procedures of a routine nature. Contributes to maintenance, installation, and problem resolution.
• Identifies and resolves network problems following agreed procedures. Uses network management software and tools to collect agreed performance statistics. Carries out agreed network maintenance tasks.
• Initiates and monitors actions to investigate and resolve problems in systems and services. Assists with the implementation of agreed remedies and preventative measures.
• Receives and handles requests for support following agreed procedures. Responds to requests for support by providing information to enable incident resolution and promptly allocates unresolved calls as appropriate. Maintains records and advises relevant persons of actions taken.

Reporting Relationships:
• This position will not have direct reports

Travel:
• No travel is required
• 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:
• $26.30 - $37.50, Hourly

US Physical Requirements:

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 51 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 band 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.