Process Technician

Job Title

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

Basic Job Functions

• Operate Recycling and Wastewater/UPW processes as per the work instructions. 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 I or 3 years First Solar technical experience or 6 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 I or 2 years First Solar Technical Experience or at least 3 years experience in an industrial/commercial operations or technical setting OR;
• Bachelors degree in a technical discipline 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.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the understanding of wet chemical processes is required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the understanding of chemical compatibilities is required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in recognizing and responding to process control alarms to bring processes back in control.
• Demonstrated proficiency in troubleshooting and problem solving in process control.
• Demonstrated proficiency in electrical/electronic and mechanical systems.
• Able to apply statistical tools to analyze data and provide conclusions.
• Good written and oral communications skills in English.
• Ability to deal with administrative as well as technical tasks.
• Industrial liquid chemical handling experience preferred (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 computerized (PLC controlled) and mechanical equipment.
• Solid problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Assist with training associates as needed.
• Responsible for ensuring safe operations and escalate up if needed.
• Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Valid driver's license.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop a complete operational understanding of installed recycling and water treatment systems and equipment.
• 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 basic and advanced course correction as needed throughout the shift.
• Respond to process control alarms by evaluating immediate and previous process trends.
• Troubleshoot and solve day-to-day recycling and water treatment process and equipment problems and escalate the process upsets to engineer and supervisor.
• Participation in 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.
• Participate in internal documentation review including drawings, standard operating procedures, and process specifications.
• Interface with internal associates and supplier representatives, as required, to complete assigned projects.
• Perform maintenance and repairs including troubleshooting and replacement of pumps.
• Escalate major repairs to maintenance department through coordination with supervisor and engineer.
• Transition new systems and processes through start-up, commissioning, and qualification.
• 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.
• Provide training to 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 some work instruction development.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships

• This position will report to the Supervisor Recycling & Wastewater.
• This position will have no direct reports.

Travel

• No travel is required.

Estimated Hourly Range

• $23.03-32.21 hourly

US Physical Requirements

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Will climb stairs or steps on a frequent basis.
• Will lift up to 58 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 50 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
• Will push or pull up to 37 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
• 20/40 vision in each eye separately and both eyes (with or without correction), the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green and peripheral vision >70 degrees 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 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 or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) as 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.