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

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:  

• Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost.


• Responsible for projects or functions that are enablers to department goals and deliverables.


• Plan, execute and characterize development engineering experiments in the laboratory and manufacturing environment.


• Applies statistical and engineering methods to optimize organizational effectiveness.  Improves methods for use by others.

Education and 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.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Comprehensive understanding of functional business units core area (e.g. sputter or materials science), with expert knowledge in at least one area.


• Expert and hands on experience in laboratory or manufacturing environment.


• Strong analytical skills to process and interpret complex data.  Can develop new algorithms and tools to enable others.


• Ability to make an execute detailed plans to achieve objectives with strong sense of ownership.


• Good communication skills across organizations.

Essential Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for improvement in solar cell efficiency, material selection and process/equipment design through engineering, scientific or empirical methods.


• Apply state of the art techniques for material analysis, statistical analysis of data or execution/planning of experiments.  Develop a work plan that can address problems with well understood solution paths.


• May be responsible to determine and evaluate material specification for improved performance.  May be responsible to determine and evaluate tool/equipment specifications.


• Effective communicator with internal and external partners and customers. Effective team member that can support cross-functional projects and take ownership of sub-deliverables.


• May train, mentor and manage junior associates.


• Complies with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced.


• Other duties as assigned.


• Job description subject to change at any time.

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.