Development Engineer II
About The Position
First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: Serve as the materials analysis and metrology subject‑matter expert supporting R&D and process Translate project requirements into actionable materials characterization strategy Perform deep dives into materials science and failure mechanisms to identify root causes, and improvement opportunities Partner cross‑functionally within R&D teams to accelerate and disseminate learnings Sustain laboratory operations by maintaining equipment, prioritizing request queues, and ensuring data quality and turnaround Expand lab capabilities through procurement, method development, and adoption of new analytical techniques Work with external vendors and collaborators for novel characterization methods
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
- Expertise in analysis of semiconductor materials and interfaces.
- Strong command of advanced materials characterization techniques (e.g., XRD/GIWAXS, SEM/TEM, XPS/UPS, PL/TRPL, AFM, TOF‑SIMS) 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.
- Ability to work independently with no supervision, follow Safe Work Practices and communicate on a regular basis with all levels of associates.
- Excellent written, oral, computer and presentation skills
- Demonstrated strength in critical thinking and attention to details
- Good team player, accountable, agile, go-getter
Nice To Haves
- Material science background strongly preferred
- Experience with perovskite materials is a plus.
- Scripting for data automation is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Apply advanced analytical techniques to assess composition, structure, defects, and degradation behavior
- 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 continuously improve analytical methods and workflows to support fast, reliable decision‑making
- Partner cross‑functionally and communicate complex materials insights clearly to relevant stakeholders
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
