Production Operator Lead

No visa sponsorship available. Position Overview US Modules is seeking a Production Team Lead to support daily manufacturing operations at its solar module production facility in College Station, TX. The Production Team Lead is a hands-on leader responsible for coordinating operators, maintaining production flow, ensuring safety and quality compliance, and supporting production targets. This role serves as the first level of leadership on the production floor and reflects practices used by top-tier solar manufacturers. Key Responsibilities Production & Shift Support • Lead and coordinate production operators on assigned lines or areas. • Ensure daily production targets, throughput, and quality goals are met. • Assign tasks, manage breaks, and support shift handoffs. • Monitor production performance and escalate issues as needed. • Support line startups, shutdowns, and changeovers. Safety & Quality • Enforce safety rules, PPE usage, and standard work practices. • Ensure adherence to quality standards, work instructions, and inspection requirements. • Conduct safety talks, quality checks, and shift communications. • Identify and report safety hazards, defects, and nonconformances. Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement • Perform first-level troubleshooting of production and equipment issues. • Coordinate with Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality teams for support. • Participate in root cause analysis and corrective actions. • Support continuous improvement, 5S, and lean initiatives. Training & Team Development • Train new operators and support cross-training of team members. • Reinforce standard work and operational discipline. • Provide feedback to supervisors on performance, attendance, and training needs. • Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment. Required Qualifications • High school diploma or GED required. • 3+ years of experience in manufacturing or production environments. • 1+ year of experience as a team lead, lead operator, or acting supervisor preferred. • Strong understanding of production processes and safety requirements. • Ability to communicate clearly and lead by example. Preferred Qualifications • Experience in solar module, electronics, or automated manufacturing. • Familiarity with lean manufacturing, 5S, or continuous improvement concepts. • Experience tracking production metrics and reporting issues. • Ability to support flexible shifts, overtime, or weekend work. Physical & Work Environment Requirements This is an on-site manufacturing role requiring extended time on the production floor. The position involves standing and walking for long periods, lifting up to 50 lbs, and working around automated equipment. PPE is required at all times. Shift work and overtime may be required based on production needs. Work Schedule Full-time. 12-hour shifts. 6pm to 6am Thursday through Saturday and every other Wednesday. Overtime may be required based on production needs.