Development Engineer Intern - Laser (Spring 2027)

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

Job summary

First Solar is offering a Spring 2027 internship across departments including research, marketing, IT, engineering, and energy services. Interns gain hands-on experience, work on laser processes, and contribute to projects advancing sustainable energy.

Applicants must be pursuing a STEM degree (Electrical, Mechanical, Physics, or Materials Science) and have coursework in related fields. Knowledge of MS Office and microcontroller platforms like Arduino or Raspberry Pi is preferred.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a STEM degree (physics, mechanical or electrical engineering, or materials science).
• Complete coursework in physics, mechanical, electrical engineering or materials science.
• Interest in lasers or photonics; BS in related fields preferred.

Responsibilities

• Help execute tests and experiments to optimize laser processes.
• Attend to data by summarizing experimental results clearly.
• Lead optimization of a laser scribe process on the perovskite development project.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

BS in Mechanical Engineering

BS in Physics

BS in Materials Science

Tools

Arduino

Raspberry Pi

Seeeduino

Microsoft Office

Job 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, At First Solar, interns play a vital role in shaping the future of sustainable energy. Opportunities are available across various departments including research and development, marketing, project development, information technology, engineering, and energy services. Interns gain hands-on, real-world experience and are challenged daily to solve meaningful problems. You'll have the chance to explore innovative solutions, develop new skills, and contribute to impactful projects that align with our mission. First Solar fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, encouraging team members to take smart risks, learn from setbacks, and continuously improve. Interns are expected to take ownership of their work and demonstrate accountability while working toward a cleaner energy future.

Expected Length of Internship

• Spring 2027, January 4th through May 17th

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

Education/Experience

• Intern must be currently pursuing an education in a STEM related field, physics, mechanical engineering electrical engineering, or materials science preferred.

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

• Successful candidates will be pursuing a BS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or Materials Science and have an interest in lasers or photonics.

• Completed coursework related to physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or materials science.

• Excellent knowledge of MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, OneNote).

• Programming experience with Adruino, Raspberry Pi, Seeeduino or other microcontroller platforms such as BASIC stamp.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Ability to learn the operation, modification, and calibration of production equipment and systems. Familiarity with basic electrical components.
• Ability to use analytical skills to read charts and graphs to find trends.
• Ability to apply statistical methods to analyze desired data.
• Ability to present results in a professional matter and speak in a formal meeting setting.
• Ability to communicate on a regular basis with all levels of associates.
• Continuous improvement/learning.
• Flexibility to work beyond designated hours.
• Problem solver, can-do attitude, willingness to push tasks forward and demonstrate ownership - go above and beyond consistently.

• Experience with fundamental technologies in a Microsoft environment: Windows OS, Office 365, etc.

Basic Internship Scope (Project)

• Help execute tests and experiments to optimize laser processes.
• Attention to detail and summarizing experimental data.
• Ability to clearly and regularly present technical data.
• Be able to work in a fast-paced environment while handling multiple tasks.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Intern will lead optimization of a laser scribe process on our perovskite development project.
• Upon the completion of this internship, the intern is required to present their accomplishments and project summary to the leadership team.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Estimated Hourly Range

• $22.00- $25.00/hr.

US Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Will climb stairs or steps on a frequent basis.
• Will lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instruction.
• Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Will push or pull up to 50 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
• Will push or pull up to 37 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
• 20/40 vision in each eye separately and both eyes (with or without correction), the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green and peripheral vision >70 degrees is required.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
• May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
• Must comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including, but not limited to: steel-toed shoes, cut-resistant gloves, jackets &/or arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) as 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 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.