Development Engineering Intern (Spring 2027)
About The Position
Leading the world’s sustainable energy future, At First Solar, interns play a vital role in shaping the future of sustainable energy. Opportunities are available across various departments including research and development, marketing, project development, information technology, engineering, and energy services. Interns gain hands-on, real-world experience and are challenged daily to solve meaningful problems. You’ll have the chance to explore innovative solutions, develop new skills, and contribute to impactful projects that align with our mission. First Solar fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, encouraging team members to take smart risks, learn from setbacks, and continuously improve. Interns are expected to take ownership of their work and demonstrate accountability while working toward a cleaner energy future. This internship offers hands-on experience in laser process optimization and materials characterization, with a focus on laser material interactions. The intern will support experimental testing, analyze materials using optical microscopy, and contribute to scaling up laser processes in photovoltaic modules. Responsibilities include preparing samples, measuring physical and electrical properties, and maintaining detailed experimental records. Strong communication, collaboration, and multitasking skills are essential, as the role operates in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Upon the completion of this internship, the intern is required to present their accomplishments and project summary to the leadership team.
Requirements
- Taken coursework related to physics, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or materials science.
- Currently pursuing a bachelors in a STEM related field, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or materials science preferred.
- Intermediate knowledge of MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access).
- Ability to learn the operation, calibration, and preventative maintenance of process equipment and systems.
- Familiarity with basic electrical components.
- Ability to use analytical skills to read charts and graphs to find trends.
- Ability to apply statistical methods to analyze the desired data.
- Ability to communicate on a regular basis with all levels of associates.
- Continuous improvement/learning.
- Problem solver, can-do-attitude, willingness to push tasks forward and demonstrate ownership – go above and beyond consistently.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and multitasking skills are essential.
- Ability to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
- Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including, but not limited to; steel toed shoes, cut resistant gloves, jackets, aprons &/or arm guards, safety glasses, hearing protection).
Nice To Haves
- First Solar encourages all interns to register their internship with their university.
Responsibilities
- Support experimental testing.
- Analyze materials using optical microscopy.
- Contribute to scaling up laser processes in photovoltaic modules.
- Prepare samples.
- Measure physical and electrical properties.
- Maintain detailed experimental records.
- Present accomplishments and project summary to the leadership team.
Benefits
- Flexibility to enroll in classes while working as an intern, if it doesn’t interfere with the essential functions of the position.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
