First Solar Job Description - Diploma Apprentice 

Job Title:         Diploma Apprentice 

Reports To:     Technical Supervisor

Basic Job Functions: 

Operate equipment used in the manufacturing of photovoltaic solar modules.  Conduct shop floor activities necessary to maintain safety, quality and throughput of all aspects of the module manufacturing operation.  Setup and operate Vapor Transport Deposition (VTD), and sputter coater equipment, and selected Series 7 equipment as necessary. Assist in the installation and qualification of manufacturing equipment, troubleshoot day-to-day manufacturing issues, identify and/or implement system improvements that contribute to the achievement of throughput, yield and product performance goals.  

 

Education/Experience:

High School Diploma or the equivalent from an accredited high school or institution. 

Required Skills/Competencies:

Safety First mindset. Basic mathematic skills. Must be able to work in a team environment. Good written and oral communication skills. Certifications on all Series 7 finishing and submodule operations OR all Series 7 coater and HPVD operations. Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, or chemical systems required. Able to troubleshoot and solve problems on the manufacturing line. Ability to deal with administrative as well as technical tasks. Fundamental computer application knowledge. Basic mechanical aptitude. Operating high-volume manufacturing equipment/process.

Essential Responsibilities:

Adhere to all safety procedures and practice good housekeeping. Perform job duties in accordance with all written work instructions and procedures. Operate equipment used to manufacture solar modules at acceptable quality and throughput levels. Perform various shop floor manufacturing tasks as necessary. Maintain quality control procedures and required documentation. Assure proper inventory levels of materials and parts, where needed. Make improvement suggestions as necessary using the proper format and process. Ensure that the equipment is properly maintained. Responsible for effective communication and fostering teamwork. 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. Interface with internal associates as required, to complete assigned projects.

 

 

Develop a complete understanding of area processes, equipment, and support systems. Maintain effective communication with supervision, maintenance, and manufacturing engineers. Disposition non-conforming product according to established criteria (NCP). 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. Identify and implement yield and product performance improvements. Set-up and maintain gauges. Execute planned process experiments, collect and analyze data and report experimental results. Collect data relating to daily tool performance and associated product performance. Occasionally work with the manufacturing engineering team to identity deviations and root causes of equipment malfunctions and/or process variation. Perform all PM’s as assigned on Series 7 operations and support equipment. Other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships:

This position will not have direct reports.

Travel:

No travel is required.

Physical Requirements:

 

Manufacturing & Maintenance Physical Requirements:

Able to perform normal physical movements (e.g., standing & sitting for a long period, lifting, carrying and climbing) according to EHS ergonomic guidelines. Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to 8 hours per day. Will climb stairs on an occasional basis. Will lift up to 23 kg on an occasional basis, as required by EHS Ergonomic guidelines. Will lift up to 17 kg on a frequent basis, as required by EHS Ergonomic guidelines. Will push or pull up to 13 kg of force on an occasional basis. Will push or pull up to 5 kg of force on a frequent basis. Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis. May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis. May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis. A minimum height of 150cm for female & 155cm for male,  A minimum weight of 45Kg for female  & 50kg for male, 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without correction) and the ability to distinguish between red, yellow and green is required. 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, 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).                  
 

 

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. In order to best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

 

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.

 

 

Adhere to all safety procedures and practice good housekeeping.Perform job duties in accordance with all written work instructions and procedures.Operate equipment used to manufacture solar modules at acceptable quality and throughput levels.Perform various shop floor manufacturing tasks as necessary.Maintain quality control procedures and required documentation.Assure proper inventory levels of materials and parts, where needed.Make improvement suggestions as necessary using the proper format and process.Ensure that the equipment is properly maintained.Responsible for effective communication and fostering teamwork.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.