Senior Technologist USA

First Solar Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 233,000 - 332,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar Inc. is seeking an exceptionally experienced R&D leader to shape the perovskite research program at the California Technology Center. You will drive advanced materials exploration, oversee cross-functional teams, and align projects with manufacturability and IP strategy.

Reporting to the Director- California Technology Center, you will mentor researchers, set roadmap milestones, and communicate progress to senior leadership. Travel up to 25% and a focus on safety are required.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, physics or related discipline.
• 15+ years of R&D experience in thin-film solar, with 10+ years in Perovskites in an industrial R&D environment.
• 10+ years leading cross-functional efforts.
• Strong track record of innovation (publications, patents, tangible achievements).
• Strong understanding of IP management; experienced in maintaining/growing IP portfolios.
• Structured problem solving with data-driven and model-based methods.
• Skilled in leveraging internal/external resources across boundaries.
• Excellent organization, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Contributes to the R&D roadmap of perovskite research in an industrial setting with manufacturing focus.
• Champions initiatives with cross-functional teams from conception to demonstration.
• Identifies new concepts and works with legal on IP management.
• Clear communication of results to peers and management.
• Maintains safety-first mindset.

Responsibilities

• This position reports to the Director- California Technology Center or the Head- Advanced Research.
• Leads direct reports and mentors team members.
• Drives cross-functional collaboration to advance perovskite R&D projects.
• Develops and communicates milestones in the perovskite roadmap.
• Ensures IP aspects are considered in project progress and filings.
• Promotes safe, compliant lab practices and knowledge sharing.
• Travels up to 25% as required.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Data-driven problem solving

Effective communication

IP portfolio management

Education

PhD in Chemistry

PhD in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Materials Science

PhD in Physics

Job description

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.

Basic Job Functions:

• Expert and visionary championing key topics in industry-relevant perovskite research.
• Identifies optimal technology implementation solutions while considering a broad range of factors, incl. cost, manufacturability, reliability, sustainability, etc.

Education/Experience:

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or related discipline.
• 15+ years of R&D experience in thin-film solar or closely related field with 10+ years of experience with Perovskites in an industrial R&D environment.
• 10+ years’ experience in leading cross functional efforts.
• Strong track record of innovation (publications, patents, comparable tangible application/industrial relevant achievements).
• Strong understanding of intellectual property management; experienced in maintaining/growing IP portfolios.
• Structured problem solving, including data-driven and model-based methods.
• Efficient in utilizing internal and external technical resources to accelerate critical learning; skilled in soliciting support and creating strong working relations across boundaries.
• Excellent organization, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Contributes to the formulation of the R&D roadmap of perovskite research in an industrial R&D environment with a focus on manufacturing relevant technologies.
• Champions key initiatives working with cross-functional teams, driving improvements from conception to demonstration.
• Identifies new concepts and works with legal team on the management of the intellectual property.
• Communicates results and progress in a clear and concise manner to peers, upper management, and other cross-functional groups
• Acts as a safety role model and ensures team maintains a safety-first mindset.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position will report to the Director- California Technology Center or the Head- Advanced Research.
• This position will have direct reports.

Travel:

• Ability to travel up to 25%.

Estimated Salary Range:

• $232,570-$331,500 Annually.

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 37 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 both eyes together, 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, and a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) for those requiring respirator use.

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.

Job Info

• Job Identification 1023217
• Job Category Advanced Research
• Locations 1035 Walsh Ave, Santa Clara, CA, 95050, US
• Job Schedule Full time
• Work Schedule M-F 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM(United States of America)