Our client is a major US-based solar technology company and global provider of responsibly produced, eco-efficient solar modules at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions. They’re among the world’s ten largest solar manufacturers, recognized for their advanced thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules. These modules represent the next generation of solar technologies, designed to deliver affordable, high-performance solar energy with a low carbon footprint compared to conventional crystalline silicon (c-Si) PV panels.
With an enduring commitment to domestic manufacturing and continuous innovation, they’re critical in advancing renewable energy solutions across North America and beyond. The company’s approach embodies sustainability and responsibility, from raw material sourcing to end-of-life module recycling; our client is setting industry benchmarks for environmental performance and ethical business practices.
Expanding Horizons
Our client planned to expand its presence further across the United States and approached NES Fircroft for assistance in hiring for their fifth large-scale production plant, located in remote Lawrence County, Alabama. With recent funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), they engaged NES Fircroft through a Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) agreement to recruit 24 highly specialized Technical Group Leaders. These leaders were to oversee essential aspects of their automated production lines.
Key Challenges - Why did the client enlist our support?
The client’s internal acquisition team faced multiple challenges that required external support. First, the team was heavily burdened with hiring for other high-volume but less specialized roles for the plant, making it difficult to focus on these critical technical positions. They had been searching for candidates for over four months without success, realizing they needed a dedicated recruitment partner with deep industry insight.
Additionally, the positions demanded semiconductor experience from candidates with autonomous manufacturing backgrounds—an increasingly rare expertise as clean energy demands soar. The new plant's remote location in Alabama further complicated recruitment efforts; candidates would need to relocate permanently, creating an additional barrier in an already competitive, candidate-driven market.
Time constraints intensified these challenges. The plant needed all new hires to complete training at an existing Ohio facility within 12 weeks of our engagement. Missing this deadline could delay the entire project and disrupt the wider supply chain.
We appointed a dedicated project team to drive hiring activity through targeted head-hunting and direct sourcing. Our solar specialists collaborated closely with the client to define the vision of their ideal candidate.
How NES Fircroft Delivered a Solution
Our RPO project team leveraged their expertise within the solar manufacturing sector to address the client’s needs promptly and accurately. We engaged in close collaboration with the client to identify the precise technical requirements for each position. Each Technical Group Leader would oversee a specific segment of the automated production line, so our recruitment team assessed candidates’ technical proficiencies to ensure seamless production and operational functionality.
With over 1 million LinkedIn followers, access to top job boards, and an extensive market network, we connected with a vast talent pool. We focused on engaging candidates from industries with transferable skills, including solar panel, automotive, and microchip manufacturing. Recognizing the relocation challenge, we positioned the roles as unique, developing a strong employee value proposition (EVP) that emphasized the company’s industry standing, robust compensation packages, and the long-term stability offered by the new facility.
Our established recruitment methodologies and market-specific knowledge enabled us to identify and engage the required volume of specialized candidates swiftly. This approach provided immediate value to our client, helping them regain momentum on their project timelines while relieving pressure on their internal acquisition team.
When we learned about the opportunity to partner with this leading solar company in its search for new talent, we quickly recognized the importance of finding candidates with the right skills and experience. We also understood that our expertise in global mobility would be crucial in relocating contractors, with our consultants providing guidance every step of the way.
What technical expertise was required?
Candidates for the Technical Group Leader positions needed to meet exacting technical standards, including:
- Electrical and Mechanical
- Vacuum and Thermal Systems, Laser Operations, and Wet Chemistry Operation
- Manufacturing Processes and Engineering Controls
- Structural Problem Solving/Analysis (5-Why Analysis, Fishbone diagram, 7-Steps, DMAIC)
- Statistical Data Analysis and Statistical Process Control (SPC)
- EHS/Safety and Quality systems (ISO14001/ ISO9001/ ISO4500/ OSHA)
- Asset Management and Maintenance Applications - Maximo/CMMS, SAP, or Oracle
- Interface with Machine Control Panels and HMI interface
- LOTO Procedures
- Control of Hazardous Energies
How extensive was our candidate search?
To address the demand for talent in a highly specialized area, we proactively contacted candidates across multiple states to increase the chances of successful placements.
- Tennessee: 48
- Mississippi: 85
- Louisiana: 124
- South Carolina: 50
- Georgia: 120
- Alabama: 210
The Results
Our targeted, industry-specific approach transformed the client’s recruitment outcomes:
- We became the client’s exclusive partner for sourcing Technical Leads.
- Within just 6 weeks of our engagement, we secured 12+ accepted offers, with additional candidates in the pipeline.
- The client’s project was back on track to meet critical deadlines.
Are you facing similar renewables recruitment challenges?
If your renewable energy project struggles with engineering and technical talent acquisition or has received funding from the IRA and requires additional project support, NES Fircroft can help. We can overcome even the most complex hiring challenges with a wealth of market knowledge, a global talent network, and proven recruitment efficiency.
With over 25 years of providing recruitment support in North America and offices nationwide, we’re positioned to be your long-term recruitment partner. Contact us today to learn how we can support your staffing needs and keep your renewable energy initiatives moving forward.
