First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
Basic Job Functions:
- Will support developmental tests in the research and development line.
- Operate and/or execute process steps using a mix of processing equipment, manual processing, test equipment and metrology tools.
- Follow work instructions and interpret task documents.
- Can perform basic analytics to ensure proper operation of tools and execution of tests.
Education/Experience:
- High School Diploma or equivalent and 2 years of relevant technical experience in manufacturing or lab environment or 1 Year as an Engineering Test Support I at First Solar.
Required Skills/Competencies:
- Ability to follow verbal and/or written instructions/test plans.
- Average ability to use tools and operating equipment is required (robots, conveyors, human/machine interfaces).
- Ability to repetitively handle glass coupons, plates, and finished modules.
- Proven communication skills and attention to detail.
- Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, Teams). Able to run JMP scripts and analyze simple datasets using JMP and SQL application upon training.
- Possess the ability to learn to use JMP and SQL applications. Basic computer skills (Word, Excel)
Essential Responsibilities:
- Responsible to ensure that all the tests are complete as per the schedule including sample acquiring, testing and data entry for all development tests.
- Communicate immediately any abnormal findings on the product or testing equipment.
- Able to execute assigned tasks. Responsible to assist in any other task or job assigned by supervisor.
- Able to analyze work environment and make suggestions for continuous improvement for enhanced productivity, safety, or performance.
- Works under daily supervision. Follows standard procedures and written instructions to accomplish routine tasks.
- Adheres to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Job description subject to change at any time.
Reporting Relationships:
- Reports to Development Engineer or Development Manager
- This position will not have direct reports.
Travel:
- No travel is required.
Estimated Salary Range:
- $17.84-$25.00 Hourly.
Work Schedule:
- M-F between 8:00AM-4:30PM
US 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 37 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 both eyes together, 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, and a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) for those requiring respirator use.
Potential candidates 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 and any other tests that may be required.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer 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.
Skills Required
- High School Diploma or equivalent and 2 years relevant technical experience in manufacturing or lab environment or 1 year as Engineering Test Support I at First Solar.
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and test plans.
- Average ability to use tools and operating equipment (robots, conveyors, human/machine interfaces).
- Ability to repetitively handle glass coupons, plates, and finished modules.
- Proven communication skills and attention to detail.
- Basic computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams).
- Ability to run JMP scripts and analyze simple datasets using JMP and SQL applications upon training; willingness to learn JMP and SQL.
- Ability to comply with safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment (steel-toed shoes, respirator-compatible facial hair restrictions, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective clothing).
- Capability to lift, push, or pull up to 37 pounds and perform required physical tasks (sit/stand/walk, climb stairs, reach above shoulder, stoop/kneel occasionally).
First Solar Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about First Solar and has not been reviewed or approved by First Solar.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with a company match is included as part of a comprehensive rewards package referenced across career materials and postings. Retirement benefits are positioned alongside core medical coverage and tuition assistance as standard offerings.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave is highlighted in recruiting and corporate materials, providing defined paid time away for new parents. The inclusion of paid parental leave strengthens the family support baseline for U.S. manufacturing roles.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Annual and attendance bonuses and overtime opportunities are featured at certain manufacturing sites. Predictable crew schedules with built-in overtime further reinforce earnings potential in those roles.
First Solar Insights
What We Do
First Solar is a leading American solar technology company and global provider of responsibly produced eco-efficient solar modules advancing the fight against climate change. Developed at R&D labs in California and Ohio, the company’s advanced thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules represent the next generation of solar technologies, providing a competitive, high-performance, lower-carbon alternative to conventional crystalline silicon PV panels. From raw material sourcing and manufacturing through end-of-life module recycling, First Solar’s approach to technology embodies sustainability and a responsibility towards people and the planet.








