Engineer- Development III at First Solar Inc in Santa Clara, California

Job Description:

Our high growth and leadership position in the renewable energy business offers outstanding opportunities to individuals seeking an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries for 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, as well as a provider of complete solar generation solutions for U.S. utilities. Our culture is one where teamwork, continuous improvement, achievement of results, and environmental responsibility are core values. We are seeking new associates who are motivated to contribute their talents to making cost-effective solar energy an important part of the world’s energy mix.

Primary Job Functions:

We’re changing the world. Let us start with yours.

First Solar’s research and development (R&D) department seeks candidates who believe in our mission of providing cost-advantaged solar technology through innovation, customer engagement, industry leadership and operational excellence.

Technology is among the strongest levers for driving overall cost of solar energy. Through innovation in both areas of module and balance-of-systems (BoS), the R&D team is driving an innovative photovoltaic (PV) system roadmap that will create a compelling and differentiated product for our customers. By investing significantly in advanced semi-conductor research, the R&D team has revolutionized our core cadmium-telluride (CdTe) thin film technology. With the help of our R&D team, First Solar will continue to introduce new innovative products and solutions to increase solar penetration into the global energy mix. By co-locating R&D with manufacturing, we are able to transition technological advancements in the lab into production quickly and efficiently.

The R&D team looks for individuals who enjoy contributing to an innovative, forward-thinking team, are effective problem solvers, data and results driven and continuously look for ways to improve processes to help us lead the world’s sustainable energy future.

Basic Job Functions:

This is an opportunity for a highly motivated scientist/engineer to work in a fast-paced environment and develop emerging technologies on photovoltaics. This position will be an integral part of demonstrating feasibilities and advancing towards commercialization of perovskite technology.  The successful candidate will actively participate hands-on activities that include device engineering, scale up and PV module integration and performance tests.  Coordination and collaboration internally as well as with project partners is expected.

Experience:

• >5 years of experience on perovskite research and development


•  Hands-on experience on device engineering, including device fabrication, process improvement and device characterization


• Experience in large-area coating, preferably wet coating processes


• Experience in disseminating information at (internal and external) technical forums


• Direct experience in perovskite device stability is a plus

Education:

• Ph.D in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Organic Chemistry or similar engineering discipline


• Post-doctoral experience in above disciplines is a plus

Required Skills:

• Experience in the following aspects of solar cell research:
  
  
  • Practical and hands-on experience with device processing including materials deposition.
  
  
  • Thin-film solar cell and mini-module fabrication and testing.
  
  
  • Experience in optical and electrical characterization of semiconductors layers is required.
  
  
  • Safely handling hazardous materials and establishing safe operating procedures.
  
  
  
  


• Proven track record of developing a robust R&D process at scale for thin-film devices is a strong advantage


• Statistical data analysis and design of experiments is a strong advantage


• Experience in working dynamic team environment, excellent communication skills, proven organizational skills


• Demonstrated expertise in creating safe work environment

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Design and perform experiments of device engineering for device performance improvement


• Design, execute, and evaluate experiments on process development of large area coating processes


• Scale up from laboratory cells to modules and perform device reliability testing


• Evaluate test outcome by material analysis, optical, and electrical characterization of thin-film solar devices


• Closely coordinate, communicate and execute experiments internally and externally with collaborators


• Establishes safe operating procedures with hazardous materials; ensure adherence to all Safety Procedures and Housekeeping standards.


• Travel up to 25% (predominantly domestic)

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 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, 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.