Senior Materials Analysis & Metrology Engineer

First Solar; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 109,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar is seeking a materials analysis and metrology expert to support R&D and process optimization. Translate project requirements into an actionable materials characterization strategy and perform deep dives into failure mechanisms to identify root causes and improvements.

You will partner across R&D teams, sustain lab operations, and expand capabilities through new techniques and procurement. Strong communication and data analysis skills are essential for guiding device design and

Qualifications

• Expertise in analysis of semiconductor materials and interfaces.
• Experience with perovskite materials is a plus.
• Strong command of advanced materials characterization techniques and their application to device stacks.
• Proven ability to translate analytical results into actionable guidance for process and device improvement.
• Experience in data analysis with Python or JMP; scripting for data automation is a plus.
• Ability to work independently with no supervision and communicate regularly with all levels.

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced analytical techniques to assess composition, structure, defects, and degradation behaviour.
• Investigate failure mechanisms, provide root-cause analysis and mitigation strategies.
• Translate characterization data into recommendations for device design, materials selection, and process optimization in collaboration with R&D and process teams.
• Develop, validate, and improve analytical methods and workflows to support fast, reliable decision-making.
• Partner cross-functionally and communicate complex materials insights clearly to stakeholders; may train and mentor junior staff.
• Comply with company policies on safety, quality, and environment; contribute to policy improvements.
• Other duties as assigned; job description subject to change.

Skills

Semiconductor materials analysis

Perovskite materials

Advanced characterization techniques

Python data analysis

Independent work

Excellent communication

Education

Associate degree in engineering

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Tools

XRD

GIWAXS

SEM/TEM

XPS/UPS

PL/TRPL

AFM

TOF-SIMS

Job description

First Solar is seeking a materials analysis and metrology expert to support R&D and process optimization. Translate project requirements into an actionable materials characterization strategy and perform deep dives into failure mechanisms to identify root causes and improvements.

You will partner across R&D teams, sustain lab operations, and expand capabilities through new techniques and procurement. Strong communication and data analysis skills are essential for guiding device design and