First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.

Basic Job Functions:

Lead day to day Recycling and Wastewater operations at the facility. Develop new operating procedures for future technologies. Develop safety checklist and train junior associates. Assist engineering team for new design concepts. Assist in the installation and qualification of process equipment, troubleshoot day-to-day process/equipment issues, identify and/or implement system improvements that contribute to improved safety, process efficiency, and performance goals.

Education/Experience:

High School Diploma or GED with at least 1 year experience as First Solar Wastewater & Recycling Technician II or 12 years experience in an industrial/commercial operations or technical setting OR; Associates degree in a technical discipline with at least 1 year as First Solar Wastewater & Recycling Technician II or at least 6 years experience in an industrial/commercial operations or technical setting OR; Bachelors degree in a technical discipline with 2 years experience in an industrial/commercial operations or technical setting OR; Bachelors degree in chemical or mechanical engineering with 0 - 2 years experience in an industrial/commercial operations or technical setting Experience in equipment maintenance and process troubleshooting will be preferred. Prior industrial wastewater treatment experience will be preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies:

Safety-first mindset with ability to lead/train on safe practices in the process. Outstanding proficiency in the understanding of wet chemical processes is required. Outstanding proficiency in the understanding of chemical compatibilities is required. Outstanding proficiency in recognizing and responding to process control alarms to bring processes back in control. Outstanding proficiency in troubleshooting and problem solving in process control. Outstanding proficiency in electrical/electronic and mechanical systems. Able to apply statistical tools to analyze data and provide conclusions, then develop plans to execute tasks. Good written and oral communications skills in English. Ability to deal with administrative as well as technical tasks. Industrial liquid chemical handling experience required (strong acids, strong bases, and concentrated hydrogen peroxide). Solid mechanical aptitude with emphasis on hands-on experience. Forklift experience is preferred. Self-directed, ability to work with minimal supervision. Ability to operate and understand computerized (PLC controlled) and mechanical equipment. Outstanding problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. Development of training plans and assisting with training associates as needed. Responsible for ensuring safe operations and escalate up if needed.  Fluent in Microsoft Office Suite. Valid driver’s license.

Essential Responsibilities:

Demonstrated ownership and expertise in installed recycling and water treatment systems and equipment. Coordinate, plan, and execute improvements and/or solutions to process issues in the area. Generate reports on process conditions and improvement suggestions as needed, and present them to area leadership. Ensure recycling, wastewater treatment and ultra-pure water generation processes are running on target as per the process plan. Collect data relating to process control parameters and make adjustments as necessary. Analyze process data on a regular basis and implement advanced course correction as needed throughout the shift. Respond to process control alarms by evaluating immediate and previous process trends and identifying potential causes for alarms. Troubleshoot and solve day-to-day recycling and water treatment process and equipment problems and escalate the process upsets to engineer and supervisor. Execute planned process experiments, collect and analyze data and report experimental results. Perform standard tests to ensure proper operation of recycling, wastewater, and ultra-pure water systems. 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. Assist in project development and design reviews where necessary. Perform maintenance and repairs including troubleshooting and replacement of pumps. Calibrate instrumentation per ISO work instructions. Perform analysis of samples using laboratory equipment. Maintain accurate records using databases, spreadsheets, and other computer-based programs. Properly collect, label, and store hazardous waste within the manufacturing plant and assist with shipment of hazardous waste from the plant per documented hazardous waste work instructions. Respond to accidental hazardous material spills by containing and cleaning of the spills through HAZMAT standards. Lead training plans and activities for production associates. Maintain effective communication with area associates and engineers. Adhere to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards. Ensure waste materials are discarded in their designated containers. Responsible for maintaining a clean and orderly work environment following the 5S standard guidelines.    Use powered industrial equipment (fork trucks, e.g.) for moving various materials and chemicals. Responsible for verbal and written shift pass-down communications and development of work instructions. Other duties as assigned. Job description subject to change at any time. Escalate major repairs to maintenance department through coordination with supervisor and engineer. Lead the transition of new systems and processes through start-up, commissioning, and qualification.

Reporting Relationships:

This position will report to the Supervisor – Recycling & Wastewater. This position will have no 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 plan starts equipment installation. 

Estimated Hourly Range:

$28.32 - $40.00 Estimated Hourly Range

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 lift up to 51 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 heights and below the waist 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). 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.