Coady McKinney

McKinney is the Night Shift Supervisor at JinkoSolar, one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world. A global company with a presence in Jacksonville, JinkoSolar distributes its solar products and sells its solutions and services to a diversified international utility, commercial and residential customer base. JinkoSolar has over 10 production facilities worldwide.

In 2018, JinkoSolar launched and built a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located at the Cecil Commerce Center. It is one of the longest-running solar module manufacturing facilities in the United States. The Jacksonville facility helps to meet consumer and industry demand while providing more efficient service to JinkoSolar’s U.S. customers.

JinkoSolar has been growing quickly and is expanding its Jacksonville operations. The Jacksonville facility employs 700 workers, working in four shifts (24*7), in different areas including production, technician, engineering, accounting, human resources, purchasing, warehouse, and more.

Born and raised in West Jacksonville, McKinney graduated in 2015 from West Nassau High School in the Nassau County School District. After graduation, he worked at a grocery store and as a corrections officer. After JinkoSolar opened in Jacksonville, McKinney learned about opportunities at the company.

“The work JinkoSolar does in advanced manufacturing was of great interest to me,” he said.

In 2019, McKinney started working at JinkoSolar in operations, where he gained direct experience and professional development in solar module manufacturing. In just five years, he advanced in position and salary to Team Lead, Senior Lead and Production Supervisor before his promotion to Night Shift Supervisor.

“JinkoSolar offers an excellent work environment and culture,” McKinney said. “I learned so much on the job from my supervisors.”

In his current role, McKinney supports the company’s operations and production team.

“My work environment is fast paced,” McKinney said. “Every night is different and presents new challenges. It keeps me on my toes.”

At JinkoSolar, McKinney oversees a team of more than 60 employees.

“I am fortunate to work with a great team,” McKinney said. “I focus on what my team needs to achieve our company goals.”

In addition to having a thorough understanding of solar manufacturing processes and safety and compliance certifications, McKinney’s current role requires excellent communication, leadership, and critical decision-making skills.

“It’s important to treat everyone with respect and maintain a good team morale,” McKinney said. “Most importantly, make sure everyone is safe. Safety is our top priority.”

McKinney has experienced great satisfaction working at JinkoSolar.

“It’s rewarding to see other employees improve and give them opportunities to succeed,” he said.

For those interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing or working at JinkoSolar, McKinney recommends seeking an internship or employment opportunity that offers on-the-job training. Once hired, he encourages employees to be dependable, stay disciplined and work hard on the job for advancement in the company.

“If your supervisors see that manner of conduct, they will want to give you other opportunities,” McKinney said. “That’s how I learned and that’s how I got to where I am today.”