Thin Film Material Development Intern (Fall 2026)

First Solar; Perrysburg (OH); Hybrid; USD 24,796 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

First Solar is offering an internship opportunity based in Perrysburg, Ohio, aimed at students pursuing a BS degree in material science or chemical engineering. Interns will work on plasma sputtered coatings and perovskite solar device performance while gaining hands-on experience in the renewable energy field.

The selected candidates will develop skills in material surface engineering and will be encouraged to collaborate within a diverse team. Aiming to foster innovation, First Solar supports flexible schedules for interns enrolled in classes.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and hands-on.
• Excellent communication, presentation and documentation skills.
• Good knowledge of physics and material concepts.

Responsibilities

• Work with development engineers to study plasma sputtered coatings.
• Present accomplishments and project summary to the leadership team.

Skills

Material science

Chemical engineering

Thin film technologies

Lab environment experience

Excellent communication skills

Physics concepts knowledge

Education

In progress of BS degree

Background in material science or chemical engineering

Job description

Description

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

Basic Job Scope:

Leading the world’s sustainable energy future, First Solar interns work around the globe in research and development, marketing, project development, information technology, engineering, energy services and much more. When you work at First Solar, you will be challenged every day and provided real world experience. You will be given the opportunity to find new solutions and develop new skills to further advance your skillset. At First Solar we strive to foster a culture that encourages innovation through collaboration, urging colleagues to take smart risks, learning from failures and course correcting, and owning personal accountability for contributing to our mission.

Expected Length of Internship:

• Fall 2026, August - December
• As an internship company, we allow flexibility to enroll in classes while working as an intern, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the essential functions of the position.

Education/Experience:

• In progress of BS degree.
• Material science or chemical engineering background preferred.
• Knowledge in material surface engineering, plasma deposition, thin film technologies
• Experience in lab environment with materials analysis technologies
• Perovskite solar cell device fabrication a plus.
• First Solar encourages all interns to register their internship with their university.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and hands‑on.
• Excellent communication, presentation and documentation skills.
• Thin film and nano material analysis experience. Optic and chemical characterization knowledge.
• Good knowledge of physics and material concepts.

Basic Internship Scope (Project):

• Intern will work with development engineers to study plasma sputtered coatings and impact to perovskite solar device performance. May include coating process development, and sensitivity study of the process KPIs to coating properties, and interface interaction with subsequent wet coatings and solar device efficiency and stability.
• Upon the completion of this internship, the intern is required to present their accomplishments and project summary to the leadership team.

Estimated Salary Range:

• $18.00-$25.00 Hourly.

US Physical Requirements:

Hybrid 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.