Development Engineer II - Sputtering/Material Science 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.

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset 

Basic Job Functions:

• ALD/CVD thin film deposition and material research to improve conversion efficiency of thin film solar cells

Education/Experience:

• Ph.D. in the fields of Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Surface Science, Applied Physics, or related scientific discipline. 


• Alternatively, M.S. in the same disciplines and 5 years of post-graduate industrial or academic experience in exceptional cases may be considered

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills, the proven ability to succeed in developing practical solutions that will lead to technology innovations and development


• Familiar with statistical data analysis and design of experiment methodologies


• Good communication skills. Can produce clear data and report, as well as oral presentations.


• Self-driven, energetic, and creative with good interpersonal skills, including working with cross-functional teams

Essential Responsibilities:

• Assume a key ownership role in our ALD/CVD deposition operations and other vacuum deposition systems within the organization


• Be responsible for the development of innovative materials and processes that can enhance the surface/interface and bulk properties required for high efficiency PV devices


• Control key material properties (such as doping, defects in bulk/interface, band bending) with material synthesis steps.


• Design, execute, and analyze experiments performed hands-on or with help from others


• Develop and maintain process and equipment related to material research


• Prepare and presents reports and analyses as requested

Reporting Relationships:

• This position will report to Senior Manager Process Development, or Senior Member of Technical Staff

Travel:

•  10 -15% travel required

Estimated Salary Range:

• $110,000 - $140,000

US Physical Requirements: 

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)

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.