Automation Technician

Job Title: Automation Technician I - Manufacturing Sustaining 

Reports To:  Controls Engineering Manager – Sustaining 

Job Status:  
Non-Exempt  

Pay:  $26.97 - $38.46 hourly

 

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.