Senior Development Engineer - Sputtering & Thin-Film

First Solar Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 129,480 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar Inc. in Santa Clara is seeking a Subject Matter Expert to lead innovations in sputtering deposition and thin-film materials. The ideal candidate will possess significant R&D experience and strong leadership skills to enhance solar cell performance and compliance with safety standards.

With a Ph.D. or equivalent, you will navigate complex projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with senior leadership on cutting-edge technology development. A competitive salary range of $129,480 - $180,000 per year is offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of R&D experience in thin-film solar or a closely related field.
• Deep knowledge of vacuum technology, sputtering deposition mechanics, and plasma physics.
• Ability to interpret complex data from advanced characterization techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead sputtering deposition operations and next-generation PVD tool modifications.
• Develop innovative thin-film materials and sputtering processes.
• Analyze development engineering experiments using statistical methods.

Skills

Sputtering & Vacuum Expert

Characterization Mastery

Problem Solving

Communication & Influence

Mindset

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science or related field

Master’s Degree in same disciplines

Bachelor’s Degree in engineering or technical discipline

Tools

Ellipsometry

XRD

XPS

RAMAN

UV-Vis

AFM/STM

TEM

SEM

Job description

First Solar Inc. in Santa Clara is seeking a Subject Matter Expert to lead innovations in sputtering deposition and thin-film materials. The ideal candidate will possess significant R&D experience and strong leadership skills to enhance solar cell performance and compliance with safety standards.

With a Ph.D. or equivalent, you will navigate complex projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with senior leadership on cutting-edge technology development. A competitive salary range of $129,480 - $180,000 per year is offered.