Development Engineer III USA

Role details

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: Serve as a senior technical contributor with First Solar’s Perovskite pilot line department focusing on Perovskite photovoltaic device physics‑based root cause and failure analysis. Support development and scale‑up of First Solar’s next‑generation perovskite technology.

Operate at the intersection of materials science, device physics, and pilot manufacturing engineering, acting as a technical leader in defining root cause characterization and analysis strategies, correlating metrology data to performance and reliability, and resolving complex process‑structure‑property relationships. Responsible for developing mechanistic root cause analysis methodology for perovskite pilot line, enabling improved process control, faster learning cycles, and robust yield and performance outcomes. The position requires strong independent problem‑solving capability, deep technical expertise, and close collaboration with cross‑functional process and integration teams.

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 20 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer III at First Solar. Master’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 15 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer III at First Solar. Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer III at First Solar.

Required Skills/Competencies: Advanced understanding of optoelectronic device physics and of correlations between physical measurements and low-level device parameters. Strong understanding of Perovskite materials physics, including crystallization behavior, defect states, interfaces, and degradation mechanisms. Demonstrated expertise in data driven root cause and failure mechanism analyses. Advanced skills in data analysis and statistical interpretation. Physics‑driven problem solver with strong mechanistic intuition. Comfortable with ambiguity and early‑stage technologies with an ability to reduce ambiguity through structured, physics‑based problem solving.

Strong experimental rigor and data discipline. High ownership mindset; capable of independently driving complex technical programs with company‑level impact. Ability to independently define technical approaches within program objectives. Strong cross‑functional communication. Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence. Preferred Skills/Competencies: Expertise in advanced photovoltaic device characterization. Experience supporting technology transfer from R&D to manufacturing.

Essential Responsibilities: Perform deep root cause investigations of yield loss, efficiency variability, and reliability excursions using metrology data, physics‑based models, and cross‑functional inputs. Lead failure analysis and excursion response efforts, including hypothesis generation, experimental design, data interpretation, and corrective action definition. Develop and validate mechanistic understanding linking perovskite deposition, crystallization, and post‑processing to device‑level electrical and environmental performance. Support DOE development, parametric studies, and technology readiness assessments tied to pilot production goals.

Serve as a subject‑matter expert in perovskite photovoltaic device physics and physics‑based diagnostics for internal stakeholders. Mentor junior engineers and scientists in experimental rigor, data analysis, and problem‑solving methodologies. Author and review technical reports, internal white papers, and invention disclosures; contribute to IP generation where applicable. Collaborate with external partners, national labs, and equipment vendors. Comply with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced. Contributes to continuous improvement of said policies. Other duties as assigned. Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships: Reports to Development Director. May have direct reports. Travel: Less than 10% travel. Estimated Salary Range: $99,600 - $140,000 Annually US 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 37 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.