Automation Technician (All Crews/All PGT Plants)

Job Title: Automation Technician I - Manufacturing Sustaining 

Reports To:  Controls Engineering Manager – Sustaining 

Job Status:  
Non-Exempt  

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

Basic Job Functions:  

• The following is an entry level Automation Technician controls position were a successful candidate will be 
required to support manufacturing operations, assist with equipment implementation/startup, , PLC/HMI 
programing, and trouble-shooting/optimization of manufacturing processes control systems. This position 
directly supports a manufacturing site, the successful candidate will be assigned to a manufacturing 
schedule on either AM or PM crew/shift. AM shift is 6:00AM - 6:10PM. PM shift is 6:00PM - 6:10AM. This 
results in a rotating 36/48 hour work week schedule, which includes working every other Friday, Saturday 
and Sunday. 

Education/Experience: 
• Minimum 2 years of manufacturing equipment electrical/electronic/controls experience. 
• Associate/Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Robotics, Industrial Controls, or Electronic Engineering (preferred) 
• No Degree - Must have 5+ years verifiable experience in a related field, (i.e., Semiconductors, Automotive 
etc.). 
Required Skills/Competencies: 
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks and set priorities. 
• Ability to interpret data and make reasonable conclusions to assist in trouble-shooting process. 
• Good understanding/knowledge of reading electrical/mechanical drawings and suggest modifications as 
required. 
• Good understanding/knowledge of manufacturing processes and safety requirements. 
• Demonstrated proficiency and problem solving ability to trouble-shoot electrical/electronic control systems in 
manufacturing environment. 
• Competent in Autodesk AutoCAD drafting software to create electrical schematic and panel layouts. 
• Good understanding/knowledge programming/trouble-shooting of Rockwell Automation Logix platform 
PLC’s. 
• Good understanding/knowledge programming/trouble-shooting Rockwell Automation Human Machine 
Interfaces (HMI) utilizing FactoryTalk View ME; Proface HMI experience a plus. 
• Good understanding trouble-shooting at least two control network including ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus 
and/or Ethernet. 
• Basic understanding/knowledge of robotic systems including trouble-shooting, programming, safety. 
• Good understanding of computer hardware/applications and the Microsoft Office family. 
• Basic understanding of corporate Ethernet architectures and systems. 
• Proficient communications skills both verbal and written. 
• Basic understanding of SQL Database tables/queries. 
• Basic understanding of data collection processes and OPC protocols. 

Essential Responsibilities: 
• Primary Responsibilities: 
o Responsible for support of manufacturing facilities, including remote support of world-wide 
manufacturing facilities. 
o Responsible to troubleshoot, repair, problem-solve, and maintain all electrical control systems for 
manufacturing equipment. 
o Responsible to assist with coordination of new equipment installation and implementation; including of 
MES integration events. 
o Responsible for maintaining and updating of manufacturing process tool electrical drawings, ensuring 
the tracking of equipment changes is documented and drawings are kept current. 
o Responsible to implement new software changes/upgrades specified by the Controls Engineering 
Department 
o Responsible to identify, research, document and present solutions to control problems and continuous 
improvement projects 
o Responsible to interface with multiple departments within the organization. 
o Maintain effective communications levels and fosters team building. 
o Ensures adherence to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards. 

• Key Competencies: 
o Takes responsibility for understanding client requirements, collecting data, delivering analysis and 
problem resolution. Identifies, evaluates and recommends options, implementing if required. 
Collaborates with, and facilitates stakeholder groups, as part of formal or informal consultancy 
agreements. Seeks to fully address client needs, enhancing the capabilities and effectiveness of client 
personnel, by ensuring that proposed solutions are properly understood and appropriately exploited. 
o Maintains awareness of opportunities provided by new technology to address challenges or to enable 
new ways of working. Within own sphere of influence, works to further organizational goals, by the use of 
emerging technologies and products. Contributes to briefings and presentations about their relevance