Development Engineering Intern (Fall 2026)

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

Job summary

First Solar is seeking an intern to join multiple departments, including materials research and engineering, for a 3‑month program. The role emphasizes hands-on laboratory work, data collection, and collaboration with engineers to evaluate materials used in solar cells and modules.

The intern will prepare reports and present outcomes to leadership at the end of the project. Qualifications include pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a related field with coursework in chemistry and physics; strong

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a related field (Sophomore–Senior).
• Demonstrated understanding of material properties and characterization techniques.
• General chemistry coursework with at least one lab.
• Prior experience in an academic or industrial research lab is preferred.
• Must be enrolled and not yet graduated; register internship with university.

Responsibilities

• Support evaluation and characterization of materials for solar cell/module production.
• Conduct lab-scale experiments to assess material properties (optical, thermal, UV, electrical).
• Collect, analyze, and document data to support trials and validation studies.
• Collaborate with engineers/scientists to identify material performance improvements.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations summarizing results and recommendations.
• Assist with lab equipment upkeep; ensure safety protocols are followed.
• Present project outcomes to leadership at internship end.

Skills

Physics principles

Chemistry principles

Data collection

Written and verbal communication

Excel and PowerPoint

Laboratory software / data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science

Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Chemistry

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Physics

Tools

Python

JMP

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

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

• 3 months encompassing Fall to Winter terms (with some flexibility)
• 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

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field (Sophomore–Senior level).
• Demonstrated understanding of material properties and common characterization techniques.
• Completion of general chemistry coursework, including a minimum of one laboratory course.
• Prior experience in an academic or industrial research laboratory is preferred.
• Must be currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program and not have completed graduation requirements.
• First Solar encourages all interns to register their internship with their university.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Working knowledge of fundamental physics and chemistry principles.
• Experience collecting and recording experimental data in a laboratory or academic setting.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Experience with laboratory software, programming (e.g., Python), and/or data analysis tools (e.g., JMP) is preferred.

Basic Internship Scope (Project)

• Support the evaluation and characterization of materials used in solar cell and module production.
• Conduct laboratory-scale experiments to assess material properties, including optical performance, thermal stability, UV resistance, and electrical performance.
• Perform data collection, analysis, and documentation to support material trials and validation studies.
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists to identify opportunities for material performance and process improvements.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations that summarize results, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Assist with laboratory equipment upkeep and ensure compliance with applicable safety protocols.
• At the conclusion of the internship, the intern will present project outcomes and a summary of accomplishments to the leadership team.

Estimated Hourly Range

• $22.00 - $25.00/hr.

US Physical Requirements

Manufacturing & Maintenance 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 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 both eyes (with or without correction) and the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green 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, aprons &/or arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) and a condition of employment and continued employment (may require little or no facial hair).

Office Physical Requirements

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. To best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face‑to‑face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

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.