Development Engineer II - Perovskite Device Physics

FIRST SOLAR • Perrysburg, OH

76d • $78,600 - $112,000

About The Position

This role focuses on advancing the understanding and the performance of perovskite-based photovoltaic devices through experimentation, method development, data analysis, and modeling. The successful candidate will work in a collaborative, fast-paced R&D environment, contributing to the development of next-generation solar technologies and will be responsible for projects or functions that are highly complex and require significant innovation.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 15 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Master's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 3 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience.
• Excellent understanding of semiconductor physics, optoelectronics, and photovoltaic device operation.
• Skills and hands-on experience in execution of experiments in laboratory or manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with variety of electro-optical device characterization techniques (e.g., JV, EQE, PL, TRPL, transmission-reflection, impedance spectroscopy).
• Strong statistical data analysis skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and in teams.
• Strong sense of project ownership with hands-on and can-do attitude.
• Strong communication skills across organizations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with perovskite device fabrication and characterization preferred.
• Proficiency in scientific programming tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB) and modeling software (e.g., SCAPS, COMSOL) preferred.
• Familiarity with degradation studies and reliability testing preferred.
• Experience in industrial or applied research settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue opportunities to improve perovskite solar cell performance and reliability through scientific, engineering, analytical, and empirical methods.
• Design, execute, and analyze experiments to evaluate device performance, reliability, and degradation mechanisms.
• Develop and enhance offline and inline characterization techniques for perovskite solar cells.
• Apply physical, empirical, and statistical models to interpret device behavior and measurement outputs.
• Perform advanced statistical analysis of experimental data to extract meaningful insights.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including process development, metrology, and reliability to integrate findings into scalable, manufacturable solutions.
• Support scale-up efforts and technology transfer to pilot lines and manufacturing teams.
• Evaluate and define material and equipment specifications to optimize device performance.
• Continuously improving experimental methodologies, data analysis techniques, and characterization tools.
• Develop structured work plans to address complex problems with ambiguous solution paths.
• Maintain thorough documentation of procedures, results, and analyses; contribute to technical publications and patent filings.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders; contribute as a proactive team member and mentor to peers and junior staff.
• Ensure compliance with Environmental, Quality, and Safety policies; contribute to their continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce.

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees