Development Engineer III - Material Analysis

First Solar; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 109,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar is seeking a materials analysis and metrology expert to support R&D and process optimization. Translate project requirements into an actionable materials characterization strategy and perform deep dives into failure mechanisms to identify root causes and improvements.

You will partner across R&D teams, sustain lab operations, and expand capabilities through new techniques and procurement. Strong communication and data analysis skills are essential for guiding device design and

Qualifications

• Expertise in analysis of semiconductor materials and interfaces.
• Experience with perovskite materials is a plus.
• Strong command of advanced materials characterization techniques and their application to device stacks.
• Proven ability to translate analytical results into actionable guidance for process and device improvement.
• Experience in data analysis with Python or JMP; scripting for data automation is a plus.
• Ability to work independently with no supervision and communicate regularly with all levels.

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced analytical techniques to assess composition, structure, defects, and degradation behaviour.
• Investigate failure mechanisms, provide root-cause analysis and mitigation strategies.
• Translate characterization data into recommendations for device design, materials selection, and process optimization in collaboration with R&D and process teams.
• Develop, validate, and improve analytical methods and workflows to support fast, reliable decision-making.
• Partner cross-functionally and communicate complex materials insights clearly to stakeholders; may train and mentor junior staff.
• Comply with company policies on safety, quality, and environment; contribute to policy improvements.
• Other duties as assigned; job description subject to change.

Skills

Semiconductor materials analysis

Perovskite materials

Advanced characterization techniques

Python data analysis

Independent work

Excellent communication

Education

Associate degree in engineering

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Tools

XRD

GIWAXS

SEM/TEM

XPS/UPS

PL/TRPL

AFM

TOF-SIMS

Job description

Job Description

• Serve as the materials analysis and metrology subject‑matter expert supporting R&D and process
• Translate project requirements into actionable materials characterization strategy
• Perform deep dives into materials science and failure mechanisms to identify root causes, and improvement opportunities
• Partner cross‑functionally within R&D teams to accelerate and disseminate learnings
• Sustain laboratory operations by maintaining equipment, prioritizing request queues, and ensuring data quality and turnaround
• Expand lab capabilities through procurement, method development, and adoption of new analytical techniques

Education/Experience

• Associate’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 20 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer II at First Solar.
• Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer II at First Solar.
• Master’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 8 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer II at First Solar.
• Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer II at First Solar.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Expertise in analysis of semiconductor materials and interfaces. Experience with perovskite materials is a plus.
• Strong command of advanced materials characterization techniques (e.g., XRD/GIWAXS, SEM/TEM, XPS/UPS, PL/TRPL, AFM, TOF ‑ SIMS) and their application to device stacks
• Proven ability to translate analytical results into actionable guidance for process and device improvement
• Experience in data analysis with Python or JMP. Scripting for data automation is a plus.
• Ability to work independently with no supervision, follow Safe Work Practices and communicate on a regular basis with all levels of associates.
• Excellent written, oral, computer and presentation skills
• Demonstrated strength in critical thinking and attention to details
• Strong sense of project ownership with hands‑on and can‑do attitude.
• Strong communication skills across organizations.

Essential Responsibilities

• Apply advanced analytical techniques to assess composition, structure, defects, and degradation behaviour
• Investigate failure mechanisms, provide root ‑ cause analysis and mitigation strategies
• Translate characterization data into recommendations for device design, materials selection, and process optimization in collaboration with R&D and process teams
• Develop, validate, and continuously improve analytical methods and workflows to support fast, reliable decision ‑ making
• Partner cross ‑ functionally and communicate complex materials insights clearly to relevant stakeholders May train, mentor and manage junior and peers on specific subject matters.
• Comply with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced.Contributes to continuous improvement of said policies.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to Development Manager.
• May have direct reports.
• Up to 10% domestic or international.

Estimated Salary Range

• 109,460 USD per year- 163,950 USD per year

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).

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.