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Senior Technologist USA

First Solar · Santa Clara, CAtoday
$233k – $332k

PhD-level R&D / Research roles on Crosslinked list a median of $128k (132 that show pay).

Champion perovskite thin-film solar R&D roadmap and IP strategy in industrial R&D

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Champion perovskite research at a leading thin-film solar manufacturer, driving innovation from concept to manufacturing.

Might not be for you. Requires 15+ years of R&D experience and 10+ years with perovskites—not for early-career scientists.

Technical lead Senior hires only Files patents regularly

Adjacent materials rolePhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics; 10+ years of experience with Perovskites; thin-film solar R&D

H-1B filings

First Solar filed 35 H-1B labor applications for scientist and engineer roles from Jan to Dec 2025.

Most common titles: Engineer- Development II, Engineer- Manufacturing I, Engineer- Manufacturing I USA. Median filed pay: $95K a year.

From U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data. A filing is a record of past hiring, not a promise about this role, so confirm sponsorship with the employer. Titles and filed pay ·Every employer's filings

Seniority
Staff/Principal
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
PhD
Experience
15+ yrs
Industry
Energy
Role
R&D / Research
Materials

Role details

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: Expert and visionary championing key topics in industry-relevant perovskite research. Identifies optimal technology implementation solutions while considering a broad range of factors, incl. cost, manufacturability, reliability, sustainability, etc. Education/Experience: PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or related discipline. 15+ years of R&D experience in thin-film solar or closely related field with 10+ years of experience with Perovskites in an industrial R&D environment. 10+ years’ experience in leading cross functional efforts.

Strong track record of innovation (publications, patents, comparable tangible application/industrial relevant achievements). Strong understanding of intellectual property management; experienced in maintaining/growing IP portfolios. Required Skills/Competencies: Structured problem solving, including data-driven and model-based methods. Efficient in utilizing internal and external technical resources to accelerate critical learning; skilled in soliciting support and creating strong working relations across boundaries. Excellent organization, communication, and collaboration skills.

Essential Responsibilities: Contributes to the formulation of the R&D roadmap of perovskite research in an industrial R&D environment with a focus on manufacturing relevant technologies. Champions key initiatives working with cross-functional teams, driving improvements from conception to demonstration. Identifies new concepts and works with legal team on the management of the intellectual property. Communicates results and progress in a clear and concise manner to peers, upper management, and other cross-functional groups Acts as a safety role model and ensures team maintains a safety-first mindset. Other duties as assigned. Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships: This position will report to the Director- California Technology Center or the Head- Advanced Research. This position will have direct reports. Travel: Ability to travel up to 25%. Estimated Salary Range: $232,570-$331,500 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 both eyes together, 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, and a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) for those requiring respirator use. 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.

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Common questions

What is the salary for the Senior Technologist USA role at First Solar?

The listed annual base salary range is $233K–$332K. This figure is taken from the posting itself.

Does First Solar sponsor H-1B visas?

First Solar has filed H-1B petitions with the US Department of Labor in past years, but this specific posting does not explicitly mention sponsorship for the Senior Technologist USA role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Senior Technologist USA role at First Solar based?

This role is based in Santa Clara, CA.

What degree is required for the Senior Technologist USA role at First Solar?

This role requires a PhD.

How many years of experience does this Senior Technologist USA role require?

The posting calls for at least 15 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Senior Technologist USA role work with?

perovskites, thin films.