Solar Materials R&D Intern

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

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