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Development Engineer IV - Integration USA

First Solar · Perrysburg, OHtoday
$100k – $140k

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

Develop perovskite solar cell materials and processes to improve efficiency, stability, and reduce cost.

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Work on perovskite solar cell stability and efficiency at a leading US solar manufacturer.

Might not be for you. Requires 10+ years post-PhD; highly specialized in perovskite processes.

Bench and deskDeep specialist Senior hires only

Adjacent materials rolePerform material and device research to enhance perovskite solar cell performance; materials science, characterization techniques, material selection

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
10+ yrs
Industry
Energy
Role
R&D / Research
Techniques
material analysis2 rolescharacterization techniques

Role details

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: Perform material and device research to enhance perovskite solar cell solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost. Responsible for projects or functions that are highly complex, require significant innovation, and critical to department objectives. Plan, execute, and characterize development engineering experiments in the laboratory and manufacturing environment with strategic foresight. Success requires iterative planning and de-risking over long periods. Applies statistical and engineering methods to optimize organizational effectiveness.

Core leader within the group in one or more areas. 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: Technical expert and innovator in one area of perovskite processes and/or equipment development. Deep understanding of process/equipment interactions with the ability to develop new solutions. In depth knowledge in several fields from the list of photovoltaic device theory, materials science, process engineering, characterization techniques and other fields relevant to First Solar's technology. Strong sense of project ownership with hands-on and can-do attitude. Strong communication skills across organizations with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Essential Responsibilities: Identify opportunities for improvement in perovskite solar cell efficiency, material selection, and process/equipment design through engineering, scientific, or empirical methods. Improve state of the art techniques for material analysis, statistical analysis of data, or execution planning of experiments. Develop a work plan that has unclear solution paths. May be responsible to determine and evaluate material specification for improved performance. May be responsible to determine and evaluate tool/equipment specifications. Effective communicator with internal and external partners and customers. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional efforts as needed.

May train, mentor and manage junior and peers on specific subject matters. Specialist within the group. 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 Manager. May have direct reports. Travel: 5% - 10% 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.

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Common questions

What is the salary for the Development Engineer IV - Integration USA role at First Solar?

The listed annual base salary range is $100K–$140K. 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 Development Engineer IV - Integration USA role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Development Engineer IV - Integration USA role at First Solar based?

This role is based in Perrysburg, OH.

What degree is required for the Development Engineer IV - Integration USA role at First Solar?

The posting accepts the following combinations: BS + 20 years, MS + 15 years, PhD + 10 years.

How many years of experience does this Development Engineer IV - Integration USA role require?

The posting calls for at least 10 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Development Engineer IV - Integration USA role work with?

perovskite.

What techniques or methods are required for this Development Engineer IV - Integration USA role?

material analysis, characterization techniques.