Development Engineer Technician I

First Solar Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar Inc. is seeking an Engineering Test Support professional to conduct reliability testing on solar cells in Santa Clara, California. Candidates should possess relevant experience and a strong technical background.

The role requires skills in testing, data analysis, and communication, with emphasis on safety and efficiency. First Solar values diversity and offers an inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• 4 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years as Engineering Test Support II.
• Ability to execute experiments effectively with high fidelity.
• Ability to learn operation and maintenance of lab equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform solar cell reliability testing in lab environment.
• Characterize electrical and optical properties of solar cell devices.
• Compile and analyze test data from performed testing.

Skills

Sample testing

Semiconductor device fabrication

Electrical measurements

Optical measurements

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Intermediate knowledge in MS Office

Knowledge of SQL/JMP

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate’s Degree in Engineering or similar

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

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

Basic Job Functions:

• Perform solar cell reliability testing in lab environment.
• Characterization of electrical and optical properties of solar cell devices.
• Reliability testing of solar cell devices in various environmental chambers.
• Monitoring and tracking of reliability chamber health
• Basic maintenance of reliability chambers
• Use understanding of engineering & tech skills to interpret instructions into actions and experimental outcomes.
• May assist in troubleshooting tool/process issues and suggest system improvements to achieve performance goals.
• May compile and analyze test data from performed testing.

Education/Experience:

High School Diploma or equivalent and 4 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as an Engineering Test Support II at First Solar.

Associate’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 2 years of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as an Engineering Test Support II at First Solar.

Bachelor’s Degree and 1 year of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as an Engineering Test Support II at First Solar

Ability to perform sample testing, semiconductor device fabrication and/or electrical or optical measurements.

Ability to learn the operation, calibration, and preventative maintenance of lab and process equipment and systems.

Intermediate knowledge in MS Office

Some knowledge of SQL/JMP a plus

Execute experiments efficiently and effectively with high fidelity.

Ability to communicate on a regular basis with all levels of associates.

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Prior experience in electronics, optics, thermal processing, device testing a plus

• Applies engineering or science skills and may develop advanced skills using tools and equipment.
• Duties and tasks are mostly recurring. Resolves routine questions and problems and refers more complex issues to higher levels.
• May have oversight over certain areas/processes affecting the group.
• Be able to analyze work environment and make suggestions for continuous improvement for enhanced productivity, safety, or performance.
• Work under daily supervision. Follows standard procedures and written instructions to accomplish assigned tasks.
• 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

Travel:

Up to 10% domestic

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.

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.

Job Info

• Job Identification 1024999
• Job Category Advanced Research
• Posting Date 06/29/2026, 05:43 PM
• Locations 1035 Walsh Ave, Santa Clara, CA, 95050, US
• Job Schedule Full time
• Work Schedule 1 (United States of America)