First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. 

Basic Job Scope:

Leading the world’s sustainable energy future, 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.

Expected Length of Internship: 

8 months (Spring and Summer in 2025) 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.

Education/Experience:

PhD. candidate.  Electrical engineering, material science, chemical engineering, physics, or similar field. Solar experience would be helpful but not necessary First Solar encourages all interns to register their internship with their university.

Required Skills/Competencies:

Good knowledge in various thin film deposition including PVD, CVD, ALD, evaporation, coating, etc. Good understanding the physics and chemistry concepts. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, the proven ability to succeed in developing practical solutions that will lead to technology innovations and development Familiar with statistical data analysis and design of experiment methodologies Good communication skills. Can produce clear data and report, as well as oral presentations.

Basic Internship Scope (Project):

Be responsible for the development of innovative materials and processes that can enhance the surface/interface and bulk properties required for high efficiency PV devices. Be responsible for a CdTe back contact improvement project. Enhance the device performance through a new back contact material, interface passivation, ohmic contact formation, etc.  Upon the completion of this internship, the intern is required to present their accomplishments and project summary to the leadership team.

Estimated Salary Range:

$20.70-44.85 per hour

US Physical Requirements:

Hybrid Physical Requirements:

Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift. Will climb stairs on an occasional basis. Will lift, push or pull up to 27 pounds on an occasional basis. Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis. 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required. Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures. May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis. May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis. Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards). All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair).

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.