Jobs at First Solar

Perform thin‑film solar material and device R&D to improve performance, stability, and yield. Plan and run experiments in lab and manufacturing, analyze data, troubleshoot lines, establish process specs and SPC, author production documentation, and drive continuous improvement across sites.

Work on sputtered thin film deposition and metrology for solar cell applications. Support sputtered buffer development, device fabrication, electrical and material characterization, and reliability studies. Collect and analyze experimental data, present results to leadership, and collaborate within a fast-paced R&D/manufacturing environment.

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.

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.

Lead and champion perovskite research for manufacturing-relevant thin-film solar technologies. Define R&D roadmap, drive cross-functional initiatives from concept to demonstration, manage IP, communicate results, and promote safety while mentoring direct reports.

Lead advanced sputtering/PVD and vacuum technology development to improve thin-film solar cell performance and reduce cost. Plan and execute strategic lab experiments using DOE, characterize materials and devices (XRD, XPS, TEM, SEM, ellipsometry, AFM, Raman, UV-Vis), perform failure analysis, define specifications, lead cross-functional projects, mentor junior engineers, and drive process innovation for high-efficiency, stable photovoltaic devices.

Lead and supervise process development laboratory operations for solar cell and thin-film technology. Manage technicians, translate engineering objectives into repeatable procedures, improve workflow and equipment reliability, support technology transfer, and drive experimental quality, safety, and faster development cycles.

Lead material and device R&D to improve perovskite thin-film solar cell performance, stability, and manufacturability. Design and execute experiments, fabricate core layers, characterize devices, optimize processes using statistical/engineering methods, commission and maintain equipment, mentor junior staff, and collaborate across teams and external partners to meet program goals.

Design, implement, and validate electrical control systems and PLC/HMI programs; commission and troubleshoot equipment; integrate equipment with MES and SQL databases; develop software tools and data pipelines for visualization and ML adoption; maintain electrical schematics and coordinate vendors; support cross-functional projects and ensure safety compliance.