Development Engineer - Tandem Cell & Module at First Solar Inc in Perrysburg, Ohio

Job Description:

First Solar is leading the world’s sustainable energy future. We are an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries of 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. Our cost-advantaged solar technology boasts the smallest carbon footprint, lowest life cycle water use, and fastest energy payback in the industry. We are delivering solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges including climate change, energy security, water scarcity, and the unsustainable growing consumption of natural resources. At First Solar, you will feel valued, appreciated and challenged, working side-by-side with some of the top minds in the industry. You will be regularly updated on the company’s goals, progress and achievements. First Solar maintains a culture where all associates work together to lead the world’s sustainable energy future. We believe in employee engagement, collaboration, well-being and productivity for all generations and emerging work styles.We’re changing the world. Now, let us start with yours. First Solar is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. First Solar’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by application country, federal, state or local laws; the company prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Basic Job Functions:

Supports tandem solar cell and module development by experimentally optimizing top and bottom cells and solving tandem integration challenges.

Education and Experience:   

• Extensive experience in thin film or crystalline solar cell process development.


• Deep knowledge of optoelectronic and solar cell materials.


• Design of experiments experience.


• First-hand experience in optoelectronic device or solar cell characterization such as IV, QE, transmittance-reflectance, PL, ellipsometry.


• Familiarity with and understanding of materials characterization techniques such as SEM, SIMS, GDOES.


• Industrial R&D experience is a strong plus.


• CdTe solar cell experience is a plus.


• Knowledge of solar cell optics is a plus.


• Solar cell or module reliability testing experience is a plus.

The actual position offered will be based on the candidate's education and experience that aligns best.

Level II:

• Bachelor’s Degree required in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, with 5 years of technical work experience as an Engineer or 2 years as a Development Engineer I with First Solar;


• Master's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, with 3 years of technical work experience as an Engineer or 2 years as a Development Engineer I with First Solar;


• Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline without experience.

Level III:

• Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, with 8 years of technical work experience as an Engineer or 2 years as a Development Engineer II with First Solar.


• Master Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, with 6 years of technical work experience as an Engineer or 2 years as a Development Engineer II with First Solar.


• Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, with 3 years of technical work experience as an Engineer or 2 years as a Development Engineer II with First Solar.

Level IV:

• Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, with 10 years of technical work experience as an Engineer or 2 years as a Development Engineer III with First Solar.


• Master Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, with 8 years of technical work experience as an Engineer or 2 years as a Development Engineer III with First Solar.


• Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, with 5 years of technical work experience as an Engineer or 2 years as a Development Engineer III with First Solar.

Required Skills:

• Hands-on skills working with a variety of laboratory tools including but not limited to wet chemistry tools, thin film deposition tools.


• Hands-on electro-optical characterization skills.


• Hands-on materials characterization skills. 


• Statistical data analysis skills.


• Excellent communication skills.


• Self-starter who can work independently.


• Knowledge of MS Office software.


• Knowledge of JMP software is a plus.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Designing solar cell process optimization and materials and device characterization experiments.


• Supervising experiment execution on the production line and using offline tools.


• Hands-on laboratory implementation of new tandem cell processes on cell and minimodule scale.


• Identifying new materials and structures improving tandem cell optical and electrical properties.


• Performing tandem solar cell integration process development.


• Designing and building tandem cells and minimodules using various top and bottom cell stacks.


• Experimental data analysis and presentation.


• Close collaboration with other engineers in R&D and Q&R on cell and module design, prototyping, and testing.


• Compliance with the company’s Environmental, Quality, Safety, or any other applicable policies.

US 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)

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 band 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.