Development Engineer I at First Solar Inc in Perrysburg, Ohio

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:

Basic Job Functions:

• Primary work stream is centered around laser process development.


• Support development engineering experiments to optimize processes. You will be owning a tool or a process and be responsible for everything related to this.


• Plan, organize, and execute engineering experiment execution.


• Attention to detail and summarizing experimental data, monthly presentations with next steps/conclusions expected.


• Be able to work in a fast-paced environment while handling multiple projects/asks.


• This job requires some experience with optical setups, solid-state lasers and familiarity with laser material interactions.


• Experience using at least 1 programming language (e.g. G-Code/LabVIEW for automating processes) is strongly desired.

Experience and Education: 

• Master Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics or Instrumentation (strongly preferred)


• PhD in an engineering discipline, with research experience aligned with job functions will be considered.

• Bachelor Degree in Electrical engineering or Physics or similar technical discipline, with 2 years of technical work experience as an Engineer or 2 years as a Development Engineer Technician III with First Solar.

Required Skills:

• Ability to take ownership of problem and own the resolution.


• Continuous improvement/learning.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Tool ownership and process optimization/development.

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 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.