Process Automation Technician (Pitman… at Silfab Solar · Burlington

Our purpose is to make a difference in the world by reducing carbon emissions and improving access to clean energy with every module we make.

At Silfab Solar, the energy of our people is the power behind our success. Our employees actively shape the solar innovations of tomorrow, while adhering to the highest ethical operating standards and promoting a respectful and safe workplace for our diverse workforce.

Silfab Solar is the North American leader in the design, development, and manufacture of high-efficiency, premium quality solar cells and solar modules. Silfab leverages more than 40 years of solar experience and best-in-class technologies operating state-of-the-art facilities in Burlington, Washington, Fort Mill, South Carolina, and corporate headquarters in Toronto, Canada. Each operating facility features multiple automated production lines, certified to the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System standard, and just-in-time manufacturing to deliver Buy American approved PV modules specifically designed for and dedicated to the North American market.

We are committed to investing in our employees, providing a dynamic and supportive environment for learning and professional growth. We offer competitive pay, generous benefits, and opportunities for advancement, but more importantly, we offer you the ability to make a real difference in the world.

Summary of Position 

The Process Automation Technician is responsible for monitoring, documenting, controlling process recipes and parameters, Out of Control Action Plans (OCAPs)  within all processes and adjusting when required; regular review of the production schedule; preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, updating the inventory of spare parts and wearable parts on hand, setting reorder points, maximizing machine up-time and work with and assist the Quality Team to ensure product quality. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Daily audit of all equipment capturing process recipes, and process control parameters. 
• Support production and ensure that equipment process integrity is in place.   
• Work with the Quality Team to Collect and evaluate operating and quality data to conduct equipment/recipe adjustment to ensure process optimization.   
• Perform periodic checking of machine process parameters and recipes.  
• Get to know the manufacturing process in detail (its process characterization) to and be able to identify when the process is deviating from the norm via Statistical Process Control (SPC) and take action via OCAPs to correct it or to escalate it to senior Eng. / Maintenance staff if unable to correct the problem.  
• Perform inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of the equipment in accordance with operational instructions.  
• Document routine manufacturing processes in approved Standard Work Instructions (SWIs).   
• Lead and work with Production, Quality and Maintenance to Identify areas for improvement and optimize machine availability, cycle time, utilization, and cost via Value Stream Mapping (VSM).  
• Initiate and lead PK, A3 and Apollo process to identify and implement containments, determine root cause analysis and prevent re-occurrence of machine failure and quality defects.
• Quick and effective diagnosis and troubleshooting of routine or minor problems.  
• Provide technical solutions either by improving the process, machine modifications, or incoming material evaluation.  
• Use Formulate test hypothesis and perform and document qualitative analysis of data by conducting proper DOE (Design of Experiment) and other statistical analysis testing tools to adjust processes and recipes to and maintain production quality and output.   
• Troubleshoot nonstandard events on the production line and establish preventative measures to limit recurrence of such events through the PK (Process Killer) and A3 processes.   
• Follow established standard process for training other employees as well as updating training manuals when necessary.  
• Exercise informed and analytical judgment and initiative by leading Apollo process to resolving resolve complex nonstandard problems.  
• Develop and communicate recommendations to prevent machine down time and maintain quality levels.  
• Participate in programs to improve productivity and output quality of the module.   
• Ensure the equipment is operating in a safe manner and all safety devices are active. 
• Support the team on improving the safety of the machine, where necessary.

Skills

• Excellent inter-personal and communication skills both written and verbal.  
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional team members.  
• High Mechanical, electrical and electromagnetic aptitude.

Traits

• Mechanical aptitude/interest   
• Team oriented.  
• Commitment to continuous learning  
• High degree of attention to detail, precision and follow through.  
• Be able to conceive and manage small projects.

Education and/or Experience

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics STEM or technical program (e.g., Microelectronics, Electronic Engineering Technology, Computer Electronic Engineering Technology) or be pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in a STEM or technical program.  
• Training in a technical field (e.g., Electronics, Mechanical), and a minimum of 6 months of hands-on experience.  

Preferred Qualifications  

• 2 years of work experience in fully/semi-automated manufacturing plant  
• Knowledge in PLC, HMI, electro-pneumatic, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical wiring, vision system, VFDs and chemical processes.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive wages $30- $40 DOE
• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and holiday)   
• 401(k) Retirement Plan     
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans  
• Health Savings Account option   
• Supplemental/Voluntary Insurance Plans  
• Employee Assistance Program   
• Tuition Reimbursement Program   
• Employee Recognition Programs  
• Employee PV Panel Purchase Program