Thin Film Material Development Intern (Fall 2026)

First Solar•Perrysburg, OH

22h•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. This internship is expected to last from August to December 2026. 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

In progress of BS degree.
Material science or chemical engineering background preferred.
Knowledge in material surface engineering, plasma deposition, thin film technologies.
Experience in lab environment with materials analysis technologies.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and hands-on.
Excellent communication, presentation and documentation skills.
Thin film and nano material analysis experience.
Optic and chemical characterization knowledge.
Good knowledge of physics and material concepts.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment (including but not limited to; steel-toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards).
Little or no facial hair for those requiring respirator use.

Nice To Haves

Perovskite solar cell device fabrication a plus.

Responsibilities

Study plasma sputtered coatings and their impact on perovskite solar device performance.
Develop coating processes.
Conduct sensitivity studies of process KPIs to coating properties.
Analyze interface interaction with subsequent wet coatings and solar device efficiency and stability.
Present accomplishments and project summary to the leadership team upon completion of the internship.