Development Engineering Intern (Spring 2027)

First Solar • Santa Clara, CA

11d

About The Position

First Solar interns gain real-world experience in areas including research and development, engineering, and other business functions. The company encourages innovation through collaboration, thoughtful risk-taking, learning from failures, course correction, and personal accountability. The internship is expected to run from January 4, 2027, to May 21, 2027. Interns may enroll in classes as long as classes do not interfere with the position’s essential functions. The intern will work under daily supervision, follow standard procedures and instructions, handle routine questions and problems, and refer more complex issues to higher levels. Duties may vary and may not be standardized. At the end of the internship, the intern must present their accomplishments and project summary to the leadership team.

The project supports fabrication of research-scale photovoltaic devices, development of novel processes and materials for thin-film photovoltaic devices, and electrical and material characterization of thin films and photovoltaic devices. The estimated pay range is $28.60 to $33.80 per hour.

The position has physical requirements that may include sitting, standing, and walking for much of a shift; occasional stair climbing, bending, kneeling, stooping, and pushing or pulling; and frequent use of the hands to handle objects. The role requires 20/40 vision in each eye and, for some requirements, the ability to distinguish red, yellow, and green. Compliance with safety standards and the ability to wear required personal protective equipment are required. Associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator. Office work involves interacting with people and technology while standing or sitting, and communicating face-to-face and by phone, with or without reasonable accommodation. Employment offers are contingent on successfully completing a background check and any other required tests. First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites applicants with disabilities to participate in an interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations.

Requirements

• At least junior-year enrollment in an undergraduate program.
• Must be pursuing a degree in Material Science, Chemistry, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
• Competency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Basic troubleshooting skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, and good communication skills.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and work instructions.
• Applies basic skills and may develop advanced skills using tools and equipment appropriate to the position or specialization.
• Works under daily supervision and follows standard procedures and instructions to accomplish assigned tasks.
• Must comply with safety standards and procedures and be able to wear required personal protective equipment.
• Must meet the stated vision requirements: 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction; distinguishing red, yellow, and green is also required for the listed hybrid physical requirements.
• Must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required to receive an offer.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience with wet chemistry processing.
• Hands-on experience with vacuum equipment.
• Hands-on experience in photovoltaic device fabrication or testing.
• Working knowledge of analytical tools such as UV-Vis, AFM, SEM, SIMS, XRD, XRR, and ellipsometry.

Responsibilities

• Support operations for fabrication of research-scale photovoltaic devices, including standard and non-standard processes.
• Assist with and contribute to developing novel processes and materials for thin-film photovoltaic devices.
• Support electrical and material characterization of thin films and photovoltaic devices.
• Present accomplishments and a project summary to the leadership team upon completion of the internship.
• Follow standard procedures and instructions to complete assigned tasks, and refer complex issues to higher levels.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern