Company Description 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.
Job Description
Summary of Position The Facilities Technician Lead Hand is responsible for operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing facility equipment and systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing operations. This position serves as a senior technical resource within the Facilities team, providing hands-on leadership, technical guidance, and support to Facilities Technicians while assisting in the coordination of daily operations and maintenance activities. The Facilities Technician Lead Hand must possess a strong understanding of facility systems, equipment operations, and critical operating parameters. Key responsibilities include performing preventive and predictive maintenance, conducting electrical and mechanical troubleshooting and repairs, monitoring equipment performance, and ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. Additionally, this role supports the Facilities Supervisor by reviewing operational data, prioritizing work orders, verifying completed maintenance activities, and identifying continuous improvement opportunities to minimize downtime, optimize system performance, and maximize equipment reliability.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Maintain facility equipment and systems to maximize operating performance, reliability, and efficiency while minimizing unplanned downtime.
- Perform troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs on mechanical, electrical, and facility process systems to restore equipment to proper and safe operating conditions.
- Serve as a senior technical resource and provide guidance, training, and hands-on support to Facilities Technicians.
- Assist the Facilities Supervisor with coordinating daily maintenance activities, assigning work priorities, and ensuring timely completion of work orders.
- Review and audit preventive and predictive maintenance activities completed by other technicians to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance with established procedures.
- Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on facility equipment in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and established maintenance schedules.
- Troubleshoot facility process operations and make necessary adjustments to maintain optimal performance.
- Maintain and troubleshoot facility systems, including wastewater treatment (WWT), mechanical chillers, cooling towers, emission scrubbers, boilers, industrial air compressors, HVAC systems, pumps, valves, and water treatment equipment.
- Take equipment and process data readings and maintain accurate operational logs and documentation in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements.
- Utilize handheld instruments such as voltage meters, LEL meters, gas detection meters, pH meters, and other diagnostic tools to monitor and troubleshoot facility systems.
- Support electrical and mechanical repairs, installations, modifications, and improvement projects as directed by the Facilities Supervisor or Facilities Manager.
- Identify equipment deficiencies, recurring failures, and opportunities for process improvements; recommend corrective and preventive actions.
- Assist with maintaining spare parts inventory levels and identifying critical replacement parts needed to support facility operations.
- Ensure facility equipment breakdowns or unsafe operating conditions do not unnecessarily jeopardize production schedules.
- Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures when servicing equipment or addressing unsafe operating conditions.
- Ensure compliance with Process Safety Management (PSM), Risk Management Program (RMP), and applicable permit requirements, including maintaining equipment records and documentation associated with regulated processes.
- Maintain organized work areas in accordance with housekeeping and 5S requirements.
- Promote a strong safety culture by demonstrating safe work practices and ensuring adherence to company safety policies, environmental regulations, and applicable OSHA requirements.
- Support emergency response activities and participate as an on-site Emergency Response Team (ERT) member when required.
- Assist with training and onboarding new Facilities Technicians, including equipment operation, troubleshooting procedures, preventive maintenance, and safe work practices.
- Communicate equipment status, maintenance concerns, and operational updates to the Facilities Supervisor and other relevant departments.
- Support small facility improvement projects and coordinate maintenance activities as assigned.
- Perform other duties, projects, and special assignments as directed by the Facilities Supervisor or Facilities Manager.
- Ensure all facility systems operate within established operational parameters and performance standards
Qualifications
Skills
- Strong knowledge of industrial facility equipment, maintenance practices, and process operations.
- Experience troubleshooting and maintaining wastewater treatment systems, mechanical chillers, cooling towers, emission scrubbers, boilers, industrial air compressors, HVAC systems, pumps, valves, and related facility equipment.
- Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills, including the ability to use hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic instruments.
- Experience with chemical handling and safe work practices associated with industrial chemical systems.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical diagrams, mechanical drawings, equipment manuals, and technical documentation.
- Knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance practices and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
- Understanding LOTO, PSM, RMP, environmental compliance, and industrial safety requirements.
- Ability to provide technical guidance, mentor team members, and assist with coordinating daily maintenance activities.
- Strong problem-solving, organizational, and troubleshooting abilities.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively across departments.
- Ability to prioritize multiple maintenance activities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Traits
- Self-motivated, dependable, and team-oriented.
- Demonstrates leadership through technical expertise, accountability, and a hands-on approach.
- High degree of attention to detail, precision, and follow-through.
- Strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Ability to work independently while providing guidance and support to other team members.
- Adaptable and capable of responding effectively to changing operational priorities.
- Willing and able to work rotating shifts, weekends, and overtime as required.
Education and/or Experience
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience within a related field
Preferred:
- At least 8 years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment working within a Facilities or Maintenance department.
- Previous experience as a Lead Technician, Senior Facilities Technician, or similar technical leadership role.
- Licensed operator of a wastewater treatment system (South Carolina Physical/Chemical).
- Advanced knowledge of mechanical chillers, cooling towers, emission scrubbers, boilers, industrial air compressors, water treatment systems, and HVAC equipment.
- Associate degree or certificate from a technical trade school in Industrial Maintenance, Mechanical Technology, Electrical Technology, or a related field.
- Military experience in a mechanical, electrical, or facilities maintenance role.
- Experience with CMMS systems, preventive maintenance planning, and maintenance work order coordination.
- Experience in safe chemical handling and management
Additional Information Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive Market Wages
- Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and holiday)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Employee PV Panel Purchase Program
Additional Information Silfab Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Any information provided during the application process will be maintained in accordance with applicable privacy laws and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) requirements.
