Materials Development Intern (Summer 2026)

First Solar (US) • Perrysburg, OH

9h • Hybrid

About The Position

First Solar interns work around the globe/country 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. The internship is expected to last for 3 months, encompassing Spring to Summer terms, with some flexibility. 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.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field (Sophomore–Senior level).
• Demonstrated understanding of material properties and common characterization techniques.
• Completion of general chemistry coursework, including a minimum of one laboratory course.
• Must be currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program and not have completed graduation requirements.
• Working knowledge of fundamental physics and chemistry principles.
• Experience collecting and recording experimental data in a laboratory or academic setting.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in an academic or industrial research laboratory is preferred.
• Experience with laboratory software, programming (e.g., Python), and/or data analysis tools (e.g., JMP) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the evaluation and characterization of materials used in solar cell and module production.
• Conduct laboratory-scale experiments to assess material properties, including optical performance, thermal stability, UV resistance, and electrical performance.
• Perform data collection, analysis, and documentation to support material trials and validation studies.
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists to identify opportunities for material performance and process improvements.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations that summarize results, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Assist with laboratory equipment upkeep and ensure compliance with applicable safety protocols.
• At the conclusion of the internship, the intern will present project outcomes and a summary of accomplishments to the leadership team.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees