Development Engineer Technician II (Analytical Lab)

First Solar; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar is seeking a lab technician to perform materials analysis and characterization in a fast-paced R&D environment in Santa Clara, CA. You will prepare samples, run analyses with SEM, XRD, AFM, UV-Vis, TRPL, and optical microscopes, and document observations and data trends.

The role emphasizes safety, meticulous record-keeping, and cross-functional collaboration. The position requires a mix of hands-on lab work and ability to follow SOPs, with opportunities to support equipment

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years as Development Engineer Technician I at First Solar.
• Associate’s degree in engineering or similar with 3 years of relevant experience or 2 years as Development Engineer Technician I at First Solar.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering with no prior work experience.

Responsibilities

• Execute routine and non-routine measurements using laboratory equipment.
• Maintain lab readiness with equipment checks and calibration coordination.
• Coordinate with engineers and lab users to manage priorities and data-quality concerns.
• Work under minimal supervision.
• Comply with company safety and environmental policies.

Skills

Materials analysis

Lab testing

Documentation

SOP adherence

Data interpretation

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma

Associate’s Degree (engineering or technical)

Bachelor’s Degree in engineering

Tools

SEM

XRD

AFM

UV-Vis

TRPL

Job description

Job Description

Basic Job Functions:

• Perform materials analysis and characterization in a laboratory environment to provide timely, reliable feedback to development teams.
• Prepare, inspect, and test samples using established laboratory procedures and analytical techniques such as SEM, XRD, AFM, UV-Vis, TRPL, optical microscopy, and related tools.
• Document observations, summarize results, and communicate data clearly.
• Support routine lab equipment upkeep, calibration coordination, consumables management, and safe operation of characterization tools.

Education/Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician I at First Solar.
• Associate’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 3 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician I at First Solar.
• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Hands-on aptitude for materials characterization, sample preparation, and laboratory testing using tools such as SEM, XRD, AFM, UV-Vis, TRPL, optical microscopes, and related analytical equipment.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures, maintain accurate lab records, and generate clear summaries of measurements, observations, and data trends.
• Basic troubleshooting skills for laboratory instruments, sample handling issues, software workflows, and measurement repeatability.
• Intermediate computer skills, including MS Office and ability to learn data management, analysis, or visualization tools.
• Strong attention to detail, commitment to lab safety, willingness to learn.

Essential Responsibilities

• Execute routine and non-routine measurements using laboratory equipment as assigned.
• Maintain laboratory readiness by supporting equipment checks, basic troubleshooting, preventive maintenance coordination, calibration scheduling, consumables inventory, and safe work practices.
• Coordinate with engineers and cross-functional lab users to manage priorities, communicate turnaround expectations, and escalade equipment or data-quality concerns.
• Work under minimal supervision.
• Comply 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: None
• Estimated Salary Range: 30.38 USD/hr- 42.97 USD/hr.

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.