Associate Engineer 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:

• Design and execute tests and experiments to optimize laser processes.


• 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 tasks.


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


• Experience with LabVIEW, preferred.


• Experience with basic circuit design and components (resistors, inductors, diodes, capacitors Arduino, Raspberry Pi DYI project experience could help in this role).


• Flexibility to work on weekends or around other tool downtimes is highly desired.


• Present updates regularly on progress made.

Experience and Education: 

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


• Bachelor Degree in Electrical engineering or Physics or similar technical discipline, with 1+ years of technical work experience (relevant to the job description) 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 set up, optical alignment, wiring 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.