Development Engineer II - CdTe Contact Research

First Solar; Perrysburg (OH); On-site; USD 81,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar in Perrysburg, OH, seeks a Development Engineer to advance thin film materials research and deposition processes. You will design, execute and analyze experiments, and report results to the organization. Strong background in thin film science, vacuum tech, and multiple deposition methods is essential; collaboration and mentoring may be part of the role.

Travel is minimal; qualifications include advanced degrees and relevant experience per the job description.

Qualifications

• Experience in thin film material science, vacuum technology and deposition techniques.
• Experience with thin film characterization methods such as XRD, XPS, UV-Vis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to analyze data and prepare technical reports.
• Demonstrated ownership and collaborative mindset across teams.
• Excellent communication across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to improve solar cell efficiency through materials innovation and deposition processes.
• Develop and maintain processes and equipment for materials research.
• Design, execute, analyze, and report experiments with follow-up as needed.
• Identify key process characteristics from material science and process technology understanding.
• Apply advanced material analysis and statistical methods; plan experiments with clear solution paths.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external partners; support cross-functional projects.
• May train, mentor and manage junior associates.
• Adhere to environmental, quality and safety policies; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Thin film material science

Vacuum technology

Deposition techniques: sputtering

ALD

Evaporation

VASE

XRD

XPS

UV-Vis

Analytical and problem solving

Data analysis and technical reporting

Cross-functional communication

Education

Associate’s degree in engineering or related field

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Master’s degree in engineering or related field

Ph.D. in engineering or related field

Tools

VASE

XRD

XPS

UV-Vis

Job description

Description

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

Basic Job Functions:

• Thin film deposition and materials research to improve conversion efficiency of thin film solar cells.
• Plan, execute and characterize laboratory experiments. Communicate results across organization. Accountable for experimental conclusions and recommendations.
• Applies statistical and engineering methods to optimize organizational effectiveness. Improves methods for use by others.

Education/Experience:

• Associate’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline (Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Surface Science, preferred) 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 (Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Surface Science, preferred) 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 (Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Surface Science, preferred) 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 (Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Surface Science, preferred) discipline or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Experience in thin film material science, vacuum technology and multiple thin film deposition techniques including sputtering, ALD, and evaporation.
• Experience in thin film materials characterization and analysis (VASE, XRD, XPS, UV-Vis, etc.).
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Data analysis and technical reporting.
• Sense of project ownership with hands-on and can-do attitude.
• Strong communication skills across organizations.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Identify opportunities for improvement in solar cell efficiency through materials innovation and deposition processes.
• Develop and maintain process and equipment related to materials research.
• Design, execute, analyze, and report experiments with necessary follow up.
• Identifies key process characteristics based on understanding of the material science and process technology.
• 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.
• 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.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to Development Engineer or Development Manager.

Travel:

• 0% - 5% (On occasion/as needed for training, etc.)

Estimated Salary Range:

• $80,700 - $115,000 Annually

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 37 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 both eyes together, 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, and a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) for those requiring respirator use.

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.