First Solar · 1 day ago
Lead- Technical Group Module (A Crew/AM Shift)
Gaffney, SC
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$79K/yr - $112K/yr
3+ years expFirst Solar is a leading company in the solar energy sector, and they are seeking a Lead Technical Group Module to supervise and lead shift engineering and maintenance technicians. The role focuses on ensuring safety, quality, yield, and throughput in module equipment repair and process control.
Clean EnergyManufacturingSolar
Responsibilities
Adheres to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards, including our 5S system
Responsible for the assigned shift uptime and process control within the module area, following escalation procedures as needed for support
Supervises on-site service, trouble shooting and repairing of module process equipment and ensure good return-to-production (RTP) buy off prior to production run
Act a 1 st level of escalation for module tools (process and repair)
Plans and supervises the scheduling of daily work assignments of all engineering and maintenance technicians assigned to module area on respective shift
Assures the process of record is executed and production readiness is maintained with production and process technical objectives and events are met
Ensures the module activities (process monitoring, tool PM’s, area walk through, 5S, etc) are performed effectively with the highest level of quality
Ensure all module processes are running on target as defined by the Process Control Plan
Support operations, engineering, and integration teams in identifying, assigning cause and implementing improvement actions on yield excursions and performance issues
Ensure team is responding to SPC alarms and bring processes back into control
Provides direction to shift engineering, shift maintenance, onsite contractors, and vendors to ensure and enforce First Solar’s standards and policies. This includes ensuring Environmental Health and Safety requirements are met
Responsible for communicating systems and policies to direct reports
Responsible for working with the appropriate departments to handle employee relations issues
Responsible for training and developing direct reports and setting objectives
Coordinate production startups, shutdowns, and changeovers within module area
Effective use of internal application software for process and maintenance tracking
Interfaces with other departments and manages timely completion ETA/projects as required
Utilizes structural problem-solving methodology to troubleshoot issues
Responsible for maintenance system compliance including closing out work orders, handheld scanner compliance, job plan audits and keeping track of process tool correct E10 status
Manage time keeping of all assigned shift engineering and maintenance technicians, responsible for shift schedule and coordinate with Human Resources for appropriate staffing levels
Responsible for handling disciplinary actions with the associate involved
Responsible for effective communication levels and foster team building
Oversee the responsibilities of engineering and maintenance technicians to manage and dispose properly the hazardous waste generated from routine, troubleshooting/ maintenance jobs performed in the either building
Other duties as assigned
Job description subject to change at any time
Qualification
Required
High school diploma or GED plus 3 years of supervisory experience with 2 years technical work experience in manufacturing, maintenance, or engineering OR
High school diploma or GED plus 5 years of technical experience at First Solar OR
Associates or bachelor's degree in engineering, mechanical or electrical field with no experience
Electrical and Mechanical knowledge
Excellent process and equipment troubleshooting and structural problem-solving skills
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
Possess strong leadership, interpersonal skills, analytic skills, and ability to lead a flexible workforce
Excellent organizational, supervisory, decision-making, and planning skills
Proven ability to manage production associates effectively in terms of leading, supervising, coaching, training, and developing direct reports
Knowledgeable in structural problem solving and analysis such as 5-Why Analysis, Fishbone diagram and 7-Steps
Understands and can apply Statistical Data Analysis and Statistical Process Control (SPC), structural problem-solving tools (such as DMAIC)
Demonstrate ability to analyze engineering and statistical data, driven corrective/improvement action accordingly
Good knowledge on EHS/Safety and Quality systems (ISO14001/ ISO9001/ ISO4500/ OSHA)
Basic knowledge to work with different computer/devices applications e.g., Mobile systems, Communication devices, Interface with Machine Control Panels and HMI interface
Experience with LOTO procedures, Mechanical and Electrical and stored energy hazards with good awareness of Control of Hazardous Energies
Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs and analysis software
Ability to work with minimal supervision
Preferred
Experience in vacuum system, thermal, electrical, mechanical, and chemical industrial applications
Managed or participated in continuous improvement projects
Knowledge of manufacturing processes, engineering controls, and equipment experience
Preferred certified Lean Six Sigma Green belt
Familiarity with Asset Management and Maintenance applications required. Maximo/CMMS, SAP, or Oracle preferred
Company
First Solar
First Solar manufactures thin film photovoltaic modules and provides PV power plants and supporting services.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
First Solar has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (57)
2024 (34)
2023 (19)
2022 (15)
2021 (7)
2020 (16)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$2.17BKey Investors
U.S. International Development Finance CorpMizuho Corporate Bank
2023-07-06Post Ipo Debt· $1B
2021-12-07Post Ipo Debt· $500M
2021-04-01Undisclosed
Leadership Team
Mark Widmar
CEO
Angela Younes
Office Manager/Assistant to the CTO
Recent News
2026-01-03
2026-01-03
2025-12-25
Company data provided by crunchbase