AI/ML Process Engineering Intern (Spring 2027)

First Solar Inc.; Perrysburg (OH); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar offers a six-month internship for students in CS, data science, or engineering. You will develop machine-learning tools for perovskite process development, guided by an engineer mentor with access to imaging tools and cloud compute.

The project emphasizes AI-based defect detection and Gaussian Process optimization to guide experiments. You will present results to leadership at the end and may enroll in classes concurrently during the program.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Coursework or project experience applying machine learning to image data (CNNs, transfer learning) and Python proficiency.
• Experience with Bayesian optimization or Gaussian Process modeling (Ax/BoTorch), OpenCV or similar image-processing libraries.

Responsibilities

• Build machine-learning tools to support perovskite process development and quality control with mentor guidance.
• Train a transfer-learning computer vision model to identify defects in device images.
• Develop a Gaussian Process surrogate model (Ax/BoTorch) to propose next experiments.
• Present accomplishments and project summary to leadership at internship end.

Skills

Python

ML frameworks

Image classification

Transfer learning

Statistics

Data pipelines

Communication

Education

Bachelors/Masters in CS/EE/Data Science/Stats

Tools

OpenCV

Ax/BoTorch

Job description

Description

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

Basic Job Scope:

• Leading the world’s sustainable energy future, First Solar interns work around the globe/country in research and development, marketing, project development, information technology, engineering, energy services and much more. When you work at First Solar, you will be challenged every day and provided real world experience. You will be given the opportunity to find new solutions and develop new skills to further advance your skillset. At First Solar we strive to foster a culture that encourages innovation through collaboration, urging colleagues to take smart risks, learning from failures and course correcting, and owning personal accountability for contributing to our mission.

Expected Length of Internship:

• 6 months, spanning the Spring/Summer or Summer/Fall semesters (minimum length needed to complete both phases of the project scope below).

• As an internship company, we allow flexibility to enroll in classes while working as an intern, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the essential functions of the position.

Education/Experience:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or a related field; upper-level undergraduate (junior/senior) or graduate student.

• Coursework or project experience applying machine learning to image data (e.g., CNNs, transfer learning) and working proficiency in Python.

• Experience with Bayesian optimization or Gaussian Process modeling (e.g., Ax/BoTorch), OpenCV or similar image-processing libraries, or a materials science/thin-film/photovoltaics background.

• First Solar encourages all interns to register their internship with their university.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Proficiency in Python and standard ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, or scikit-learn); understanding of image classification and transfer learning; basic statistics and experimental design; ability to build and document reproducible data pipelines; strong communication skills to work effectively with an engineer mentor.

Basic Internship Scope (Project):

• The intern will build machine-learning tools that support perovskite process development and quality control, working alongside an engineer mentor with access to imaging tools, an image/process-data library, and a workstation, internal server, or cloud compute access.

• Major project – AI-Based Defect Detection & Recipe Optimization: Months 1–3, train a transfer-learning computer vision model that identifies pinholes, dendrites, and other defects in perovskite device images, delivering a prototype that reliably distinguishes at least two defect types. Months 4–6, build a Gaussian Process surrogate model (Ax/BoTorch) that proposes next experiments for precursor ratio, annealing profile, and coating parameters, delivering a reusable closed-loop optimization framework in place of grid/OFAT search. Extending the defect library and layering a statistical process control (SPC) framework on the classifier's output are natural next steps if time allows. This work helps GMO catch process defects earlier and shortens the recipe-development cycle.

• Upon the completion of this internship, the intern is required to present their accomplishments and project summary to the leadership team.

Estimated Salary Range:

• $22-$25/hr.

US Physical Requirements:

Office Physical Requirements:

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. To best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

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 and 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.