First Solar is leading the world’s sustainable energy future. We are an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries of the 21st century. First Solar is a leader in the development and manufacturing of thin film solar modules used in grid-connected solar power plants. Our cost-advantaged solar technology boasts the smallest carbon footprint, lowest life cycle water use, and fastest energy payback in the industry. We are delivering solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges including climate change, energy security, water scarcity, and the unsustainable growing consumption of natural resources. At First Solar, you will feel valued, appreciated and challenged, working side-by-side with some of the top minds in the industry. You will be regularly updated on the company’s goals, progress and achievements. First Solar maintains a culture where all associates work together to lead the world’s sustainable energy future. We believe in employee engagement, collaboration, well-being and productivity for all generations and emerging work styles.We’re changing the world. Now, let us start with yours. First Solar is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. First Solar’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by application country, federal, state or local laws; the company prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Basic Job Functions:

• Support development engineering experiments to improve efficiency and stability of solar modules


• Perform chemistry-based laboratory experiments to improve device efficiency and stability


• Conduct, compile & summarize device characterization testing to develop mechanistic understanding of performance and stability


• Compile and summarize experimental data and present it in a clear concise format to cross-functional teams.

Experience and Education: 

• Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, with 2 years of technical work experience as an Engineer or 2 years as a Development Engineer Technician II or III with First Solar.


• Master's Degree or Ph.D. in an engineering discipline without experience.

Required Skills:

• Ability to plan, organize, and execute experiments.


• Ability to compile preliminary data and organize into reporting format


• Ability to clearly communicate across multiple levels of the organization


• Familiarity with MS office & basic JMP knowledge


• Ability to function independently with minimal supervision


• Ability to use analytical skills to read charts and graphs to find trends


• Ability to apply statistical methods to analyze data


• Adaptability to a continually changing work environment

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Ensure all safety procedures are followed.


• Executes laboratory & module-level experiments for troubleshooting and process-level investigation


• Perform laboratory level device measurements to determine impact on performance


• Collects and analyzes data and reports experimental results in a concise manner


• Coordination of downstream processing requests of test material.


• Compile experimental data from tools and through Material Analysis.


• Communicate experimental results to peers and managers

Hybrid Physical Requirements:

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift


• Will climb stairs on an occasional basis


• Will lift, push, or pull up to 27 pounds on an occasional basis


• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis


• 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required


• Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures


• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis


• May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis


• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel-toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron, and arm guards)


• All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair)

Please note: potential candidate will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role.   All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check, pre-employment drug screen, and any other test that may be required for the role.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.