Group Manager- Semiconductor Operations

Basic Job Functions:-

• Responsible for site Semiconductor Engineering.
• Executes per plan to achieve site metrics that span Safety, Quality, Product Performance, Throughput, Yield and Cost
• Ensures engineering support in case of escalation from the 24x7 production operations; escalates to global teams in a timely fashion
• Collaborates with global teams to implement, and ramp new process and product technologies and helps troubleshoot performance gaps by providing the necessary leadership
• Develops and leads associate competency and development programs within the technical areas reporting to them
• Lends subject matter expertise pertaining to semiconductor processing to plant and global leadership; may lead one or more task forces or working groups to address strategic technical objectives
• Member of the site leadership team; covers for Semiconductor Operations Head in their absence.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:-

[Safety & 5S]

• Drives and inculcates a strong “safety-first” culture and world class house-keeping standards within plant operations to enable a zero-recordable rate
• Collaborates with EH&S to execute safety programs like Lock-out Tag-out and Incident Reporting and Management System
• Timely and appropriate resolution of equipment or process safety concerns

[Operations]

• Provide leadership, and oversight of plant engineering initiatives (Thin-Film Deposition, Diffusion-Activation, Cleans and Cell-Definition groups)
• Chairs forums to monitor progress toward meeting plant metrics per P90 plan and identifies corrective actions as it pertains to Man-Method-Machine performance
• Collaborates with other functional leads in EH&S, Q&R, Supply-Chain to identify constraints to P90 at a tactical and strategic level and resolves them

[Engineering]

• Develops strategy for bottle-neck management in the semiconductor operations area that include setting OEE goals (Uptime, Unplanned Downtime, G2G/ MTTR, Yield) and deploying the right resources to address chronic issues
• Collaborates with local integration teams to address equipment or process under-performance
• Organize for fulfillment for ISO 9k,14k and 45k and RBA compliance through up-to-date process and equipment documentation and training records
• Owner for cost monitoring and waste mitigation programs for BOM and equipment-spares; supports the qualification of new suppliers
• Accountable for global alignment and fingerprinting; deviations are reported and risk-assessed in a timely fashion – copy-exact vs. copy-smart as applicable

[Technology and Continuous Improvement]

• Establishes a DMAIC mindset among associates as a way of problem solving and a Kaizen approach to improvement
• Follows TOC (Theory of Constraints) concepts to resolve bottlenecks as it pertains to daily operations or road-map execution
• Participates in global forums (TRT, GAT), escalates process technology challenges that are a risk to P90 and collaborates on local and global solutions for the same
• Collaborates with New Process Introduction and Global Technology teams to develop implementation plan for new processes or equipment and close gaps identified during execution

[People]

• Coach direct reports to execute per First Solar’s – Vision, Mission and Values.
• Architects and maintains oversight of continuous learning programs for associates in their organization to ensure a trained and competent workforce
• Develops a “strong bench” of associates that can step up to the next level

Education:-

• BS in EE, ME, Chem. E, Physics, Material Engineering or technical degree in a related engineering field required
• Master’s degree in Engineering or Advanced Degrees (M.Tech, MBA) preferred

Experience:-

• More than 10 years in managerial roles in a high-tech manufacturing environment
• Minimum 15 years of Manufacturing experience in a technical field or manufacturing environment.
• Direct experience in at least one of the areas – Photovoltaic Processing and Equipment Engineering, Large Area Glass Substrate Processes (Architectural or FPD), Thin-Film Deposition Processes or Equipment, Laser Processes (Laser Cutting or Ablation Equipment)
• Able to draft department budgets and forecast capital and operational expenditure

Required Skills:-

Behavioral:-   

• Safety First Mentality
• Must be self-motivated and able to provide strong leadership in highly matrix organization structure
• Provides leadership and strategy to accomplish First Solar’s goals and objectives
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as experience with cross-functional coordination required.
• Proven Employee Relations Skills and Knowledge of Human Resources Practices
• Proven experiences in Strategic Planning and Organization Development to accomplish the company’s Mission and Vision
• Able to attract and develop talent from diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Able to demonstrate core values of Agility (championing changes, being creative and resilient), Collaboration (building trust and respect, inclusion and diversity, managing through conflicts) and Accountability (commit and deliver through discipline and integrity, making data-driven decision and own the outcomes

Technical:-

• Lean Six-Sigma background (Green-Belt or higher)
• Knowledge of industrial electrical, mechanical, high-vacuum and laser processing systems   
• Demonstrated experience with implementing and sustaining Statistical Process Control Systems
• Demonstrated experience with Robust Engineering and Design of Experiments
• Adept with at least one data-analytics and visualization platform – JMP, Minitab, SAS, Power-BI
• Knowledge of Theory of Constraints

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.