Apprentice

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.

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).

Location:-

• Tamil Nadu, India.

Company Overview:-

First Solar is leading the world’s sustainable energy future. We are an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries of the 21st century. First Solar is a leader in the development and manufacturing of thin film solar modules used in grid-connected solar power plants. Our cost-advantaged solar technology boasts the smallest carbon footprint, lowest life cycle water use, and fastest energy payback in the industry. We are delivering solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges including climate change, energy security, water scarcity, and the unsustainable growing consumption of natural resources. At First Solar, you will feel valued, appreciated and challenged, working side-by-side with some of the top minds in the industry. You will be regularly updated on the company’s goals, progress and achievements. First Solar maintains a culture where all associates work together to lead the world’s sustainable energy future. We believe in employee engagement, collaboration, well-being and productivity for all generations and emerging work styles. We’re changing the world. Now, let us start with yours. First Solar is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. First Solar’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by application country, federal, state or local laws; the company prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.