Jobs at First Solar

Plan, execute, and analyze development engineering experiments in lab and manufacturing environments to optimize solar cell efficiency and processes. Convert DOE plans into technician execution plans, test submodule routing and robotic workflows, perform statistical and material analyses, report findings, and support cross-functional projects.

Develop predictive physical and phenomenological models for PV device performance and reliability; design experiments to parametrize and verify models; assess defect chemistry, mass transport, moisture ingress, and corrosion; optimize device architecture and fabrication; improve material and statistical analysis techniques; provide data-driven recommendations; support cross-functional projects, mentor junior staff, and communicate with internal and external partners.

Undergraduate engineering intern supporting cross-functional projects in product and technology at a solar energy company. Perform analytical project work, lead at least one engineering project, collaborate with multiple departments, present results to leadership, and participate in training and mentoring. Gain hands-on experience with company technology and business models.

Develop and sustain manufacturing product performance (yield, efficiency, reliability, cost) through process integration, device characterization, statistical analysis, DOE, and tech transfer. Lead cross-functional teams, support high-volume manufacturing, manage equipment configuration, and drive process improvements using FMEA/SPC and structured problem-solving methods.

Lead manufacturing process and equipment improvements for solar module production. Manage technical problem-solving, drive process changes through stage-gate and change management systems, evaluate equipment, perform experiments and data analysis, and collaborate cross-functionally to meet performance and quality metrics.

Lead US business development for utility-scale solar: identify market entry points, originate and negotiate commercial contracts, build long-term customer and partner relationships, develop multi-year market strategies, and coordinate cross-functional teams to drive market adoption and revenue growth.

Senior individual contributor supporting business development by drafting, negotiating, executing, and managing customer-facing sales contracts and post-contract documents. Ensures contracts align with commercial objectives, risk management, and Scope of Authority; coordinates cross-functionally with legal, finance, fulfillment, and executive leadership; manages handovers to fulfillment teams and maintains customer relationships to meet profitability and performance targets.

Support research-scale photovoltaic device fabrication and thin-film/material characterization, assist data collection and analysis, follow SOPs, perform routine troubleshooting, and present internship project outcomes to leadership.

Undergraduate internship to develop perovskite chemistries and engineer hole transport layers, perform electrical, optical, and materials characterization of thin films and devices, troubleshoot per SOPs, and present technical results to leadership. Hands-on lab work and adherence to safety procedures required.

The role involves entry-level network administration, including monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintaining network infrastructure and protocols, with a focus on Cisco technologies.

Lead integration of thin-film photovoltaic module technology, driving technology transfer from research to pilot production. Manage cross-functional teams, plan and prioritize experiments (DOE), apply statistical process optimization (JMP), oversee process control, device/material characterization and failure analysis, perform root cause analysis, and ensure program schedules, safety, and IP development.

Manage end-to-end materials planning for RDC manufacturing: maintain inventory to support production uptime, execute MRP/ERP planning, analyze and adjust planned orders, manage master planning data, balance materials across sites, communicate with cross-functional teams, support transitions and supplier forecasts, investigate inventory variances, and ensure adherence to company processes and standards.

Support developmental tests in R&D by operating processing and test equipment, following work instructions, acquiring samples, executing tests, entering and analyzing simple datasets, reporting abnormalities, and supporting continuous improvement under daily supervision.

Lead development and maintenance of global solar simulator calibration and metrology programs. Manage reference standards, analyze round-robin data, monitor stability with statistical methods, investigate deviations, implement corrective actions, and develop automation, analytics, dashboards, and predictive models to support high-volume manufacturing and process control.

Lead cross-functional, site-spanning manufacturing engineering projects as a subject-matter expert. Identify and mitigate high-risk manufacturing issues, implement and qualify equipment/process changes, mentor junior engineers, manage vendors, and drive procedural standards, root cause analysis, and CMS-process project completion to meet production and schedule goals.

Install, qualify, and troubleshoot manufacturing equipment and processes to improve throughput, yield, and product performance. Conduct experiments, collect and analyze process data, maintain gauges and control plans, develop documentation and SOPs, train technicians and production associates, and collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to resolve production issues.

Design and run experiments to characterize perovskite solar cells, perform statistical and root-cause analysis, develop new measurement and modeling techniques, and collaborate across process, metrology, and reliability teams to scale and transfer technologies to pilot/manufacturing. Document and present results, contribute to publications/patents, and may mentor junior staff.

Hands-on R&D internship supporting solar panel experiments at First Solar's California Technology Center. Work with engineers and technicians on inkjet printing and spray coating of uniform thin films, collect and analyze experimental data, use MS Excel, collaborate with team, and present project results to leadership. Internship runs 3-5 months during the fall term.

Coordinate and prioritize semiconductor/module manufacturing operations, drive continuous improvement and production recovery, train and develop associates, manage material and headcount allocation, and support safety, quality, and throughput targets across multiple crews. Use data reporting tools to identify and close operational constraints and improve equipment availability and yield.

Perform materials and device research to improve thin-film solar cell performance, stability and cost. Plan, execute, and characterize experiments in lab and manufacturing, apply statistical and engineering methods, own projects or functional areas, support cross-functional work, troubleshoot and contribute to material and equipment specifications.