Reliability Physics Engineer II - PV Modeling & Materials

First Solar, Inc.; Perrysburg (OH); On-site; USD 80,700 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar, Inc. is seeking a development engineer to build predictive models of photovoltaic processes and device performance. You will parametrize experiments, verify models, and translate results into improvements in device architecture and fabrication.

The role emphasizes collaboration with manufacturing and R&D teams to drive reliability and efficiency in solar modules. The position involves travel, working in a lab/manufacturing environment, and mentoring junior staff.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree plus 15 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years as Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Bachelor's Degree plus 5 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years as Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Master's Degree plus 3 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years as Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Ph.D. in engineering with no prior technical work experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop, parametrize, and verify models that quantitatively describe defect chemistry and mass transport in the semiconductor stack during fabrication and field operation.
• Assess durability of device design and packaging against moisture ingress, electro-chemical corrosion, and abnormal operating conditions.
• Use developed models to optimize device architecture and fabrication process for PV module performance and reliability.
• Provide data-driven recommendations to management on specific changes to improve device performance and reliability.
• Identify opportunities for improvement in solar cell efficiency, material selection and process/equipment design.
• May train, mentor and manage junior and peers on specific subject matters.

Skills

PV device theory

Materials science

Process engineering

Lab/manufacturing experience

Project ownership

Cross-functional communication

Data analysis

Quality/experimental design

Modeling

Education

Associate's Degree in engineering/technical field

Bachelor's Degree in engineering/technical field

Master's Degree in engineering/technical field

Ph.D. in engineering/technical field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C++

JMP

Job description

First Solar, Inc. is seeking a development engineer to build predictive models of photovoltaic processes and device performance. You will parametrize experiments, verify models, and translate results into improvements in device architecture and fabrication.

The role emphasizes collaboration with manufacturing and R&D teams to drive reliability and efficiency in solar modules. The position involves travel, working in a lab/manufacturing environment, and mentoring junior staff.