Advanced Materials Lab Technician II

First Solar Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar Inc. in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a Development Engineer Technician I to perform materials analysis in a laboratory setting, prepare and test samples, and provide clear documentation of observations.

You will support equipment upkeep, calibration scheduling, and consumables management while communicating results to development teams. The role requires hands-on experience with characterization tools (SEM, XRD, AFM, UV-Vis, TRPL) and strong attention to detail, SOP adherence, and

Qualifications

• Experience with materials characterization and lab testing using SEM, XRD, AFM, UV-Vis, TRPL, and optical microscopes.
• Ability to follow SOPs, maintain lab records, and summarize measurements and data trends.
• Basic troubleshooting of lab instruments, sample handling issues, and software workflows.
• Proficient with MS Office and able to learn data management or visualization tools.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to lab safety.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine measurements using laboratory equipment as assigned.
• Maintain laboratory readiness: equipment checks, troubleshooting, calibration scheduling, consumables inventory, safe practices.
• Coordinate with engineers and cross-functional lab users to manage priorities and communicate turnaround expectations.
• Work under minimal supervision and comply with company policies.

Skills

Materials characterization

Sample preparation

Laboratory testing

SOP adherence

Data recording & interpretation

Troubleshooting

MS Office

Data management/visualization tools

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Education

High School diploma + 10 yrs exp

Associate degree in engineering/technical field

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

SEM

XRD

AFM

UV-Vis

TRPL

Optical microscopes

Job description

First Solar Inc. in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a Development Engineer Technician I to perform materials analysis in a laboratory setting, prepare and test samples, and provide clear documentation of observations.

You will support equipment upkeep, calibration scheduling, and consumables management while communicating results to development teams. The role requires hands-on experience with characterization tools (SEM, XRD, AFM, UV-Vis, TRPL) and strong attention to detail, SOP adherence, and