Job Description

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.

Basic Job Functions

• Serve as the materials analysis and metrology subject‑matter expert supporting R&D and process
• Translate project requirements into actionable materials characterization strategy
• Perform deep dives into materials science and failure mechanisms to identify root causes, and improvement opportunities
• Partner cross‑functionally within R&D teams to accelerate and disseminate learnings
• Sustain laboratory operations by maintaining equipment, prioritizing request queues, and ensuring data quality and turnaround
• Expand lab capabilities through procurement, method development, and adoption of new analytical techniques
• Work with external vendors and collaborators for novel characterization methods

Education/Experience:

• Associate’s degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 15 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Master’s degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 3 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience
• Material science background strongly preferred

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Expertise in analysis of semiconductor materials and interfaces. Experience with perovskite materials is a plus.
• Strong command of advanced materials characterization techniques (e.g., XRD/GIWAXS, SEM/TEM, XPS/UPS, PL/TRPL, AFM, TOF‑SIMS) and their application to device stacks
• Proven ability to translate analytical results into actionable guidance for process and device improvement
• Experience in data analysis with Python or JMP. Scripting for data automation is a plus.
• Ability to work independently with no supervision, follow Safe Work Practices and communicate on a regular basis with all levels of associates.
• Excellent written, oral, computer and presentation skills
• Demonstrated strength in critical thinking and attention to details
• Good team player, accountable, agile, go-getter

Essential Responsibilities

• Apply advanced analytical techniques to assess composition, structure, defects, and degradation behavior
• Investigate failure mechanisms, provide root‑cause analysis and mitigation strategies
• Translate characterization data into recommendations for device design, materials selection, and process optimization in collaboration with R&D and process teams
• Develop, validate, and continuously improve analytical methods and workflows to support fast, reliable decision‑making

• Partner cross‑functionally and communicate complex materials insights clearly to relevant stakeholders

  Reporting Relationships: Reports to Sr Manager- Process Development. May have direct reports

Travel Up to 10% domestic or international.

Estimated Salary Range

104,910 USD per year- 142,000 USD per year

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 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.

Office Physical Requirements:

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. To best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

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.