Development Engineer IV

First Solar, Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 129,480 - 184,600; Full time

Job summary

First Solar, Inc. is seeking a Development Engineer III in Santa Clara, California. The role focuses on enhancing perovskite solar cell performance through advanced research and development. Candidates should possess a strong educational background in engineering, with significant experience in R&D related to thin-film solar technology.

The position involves collaboration across teams to drive innovation in material selection and process optimization, ensuring project success in line with company objectives.

Salary range estimated between $129,480 and $184,600 per year, commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• 20 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years as a Development Engineer III.
• 10+ years of R&D experience in thin-film solar or closely related field.
• 5+ years of experience with perovskites in an industrial R&D environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform material and device research for solar cell enhancement.
• Develop a work plan with unclear solution paths.
• Identify opportunities for improvement in solar cell performance.

Skills

Technical expert in perovskite photovoltaic development

Strong communication skills

Critical thinking

Project ownership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in engineering discipline

Master's Degree in engineering discipline

Ph.D. in material science discipline

Tools

Statistical analysis tools

Materials characterization techniques

Job description

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

Basic Job Functions

• Perform material and device research to enhance thin film perovskite solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost.
• Responsible for projects or functions that are highly complex require significant innovation and critical to department objectives.
• Plan, execute and characterize development engineering experiments in laboratory environment with strategic foresight.
• Applies statistical and engineering methods to optimize organizational effectiveness. Core leader within the group in one or more areas.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor'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 III at First Solar.
• Master's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 15 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer III at First Solar.
• Ph.D. in material science discipline or similar technical field and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer III at First Solar.
• 10+ years of R&D experience in thin-film solar or closely related field required; 5+ years of experience with perovskites in an industrial R&D environment strongly preferred.
• Chemistry or polymer/material science background strongly preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Technical expert and innovator in at least one area of perovskite photovoltaic development.
• Deep understanding of material/process/device interactions with the ability to develop new solutions.
• In depth knowledge in several fields from the list of photovoltaic device theory, materials science, process engineering, characterization techniques and other fields relevant to advance perovskite technology.
• Strong communication skills across organizations, excellent written and oral presentation skills.
• Demonstrated strength in critical thinking, attention to details.
• Strong sense of project ownership with hands‑on and can‑do attitude, good team player, accountable, agile.
• Willing to work odd hours or long hours when pressed by deadlines or under urgent situations.

Essential Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for improvement in perovskite solar cell (efficiency and durability) through material design/selection, process development, device characterization, failure analysis through engineering, scientific or empirical methods.
• Improve state of the art techniques for material analysis, statistical analysis of data, or execution planning of experiments. Develop a work plan that has unclear solution paths.
• May be responsible to determine and evaluate material specification for improved performance. May be responsible to determine and evaluate tool/equipment specifications.
• Effective communicator with internal and external partners and customers. Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional efforts as well as drive external collaborators.
• May train, mentor and manage junior and peers on specific subject matters. Specialist within the group.
• 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.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to Director, California Technology Center, or (Sr) Manager of Process Development.
• May have direct reports.

Travel

Up to 10% domestic or international.

Estimated Salary Range

129,480 USD per year- 184,600 USD per year

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 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.
• The 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).

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.