Crosslinked

One of 5,316 polymer and materials roles on Crosslinked, each read for materials, degree, visa and salary. See roles like this

FS

Development Engineer II - Metrology

First Solar · Santa Clara, CAtoday
$105k – $150k

BS-level R&D / Research roles on Crosslinked list a median of $126k (381 that show pay).

Develop electro-optical characterization and custom metrology equipment for perovskite solar cell research

Apply
Electronic materials · R&D / Research roles, by email
Apply

Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Build custom electro-optical characterization tools for next-gen perovskite PV at a major solar manufacturer.

Might not be for you. Heavy equipment development and software programming, less pure materials R&D.

Mostly at the benchTechnical lead PhD-friendlyBS acceptable

Adjacent materials roleLead development of electro-optical characterization and custom equipment capabilities to support perovskite solar cell research; thin-film metrology

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
Mid-level
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
BS
Experience
5+ yrs
Industry
Energy
Role
R&D / Research
Techniques
electro-optical characterizationthin-film metrology1 role

Role details

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions : Lead development of electro-optical characterization and custom equipment capabilities to support perovskite solar cell research. Apply deep technical expertise, hands-on equipment development, software programming, and data analysis to deliver robust characterization infrastructure Enable new measurement methods, improve up time, support safe laboratory operations, and mentor others on relevant subject matter.

Experience and Education: Bachelor Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, with 5 years of technical work experience as an Engineer or 2 years as a Development Engineer I with First Solar. Master Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, with 3 years of technical work experience as an Engineer or 2 years as a Development Engineer I with First Solar. PhD in an engineering discipline without experience. Prior experience on tester automation is a strong plus Required Skills : Technical expert in electro-optical characterization, thin-film metrology and equipment development.

Hands-on experience in design, build, and programming of custom characterization equipment and embedded controls Skilled in tool software development and numerical data analysis Demonstrated expertise in creating safe work environment Excellent communication skills, proven organizational skills Prior experience in perovskite photovoltaics or optoelectronics is a plus. Expert and hands on experience in laboratory or manufacturing environment. In depth knowledge in several fields from the list of photovoltaic device theory, characterization techniques and other fields relevant to First Solar's technology. Demonstrated proficiency with SolidWorks or AutoCAD strongly preferred.

Strong sense of project ownership with hands-on and can-do attitude. Strong communication skills across organizations.

Essential Functions

& Responsibilities Develop new metrology to enable process monitoring and advanced characterization for perovskite solar cell research. Implement novel characterization setups utilizing internal and external vendors Communicate effectively across the organization to explain existing techniques and to learn the demand for new characterization capabilities Supervise continues improvement and development of characterization system’s software and hardware.

Enable a system of preventive maintenance and cross-training that allows for minimal downtime of characterization infrastructure Work closely with key stakeholders to enable implementation and continuous improvement of methods, recipes and data infrastructure May train, mentor and manage junior and peers on specific subject matters. 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.

Estimated Salary Range: 104,910 USD per year- 149,500 USD per year 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.

Related roles

Common questions

What is the salary for the Development Engineer II - Metrology role at First Solar?

The listed annual base salary range is $105K–$150K. 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 II - Metrology role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Development Engineer II - Metrology role at First Solar based?

This role is based in Santa Clara, CA.

What degree is required for the Development Engineer II - Metrology role at First Solar?

The posting accepts the following combinations: BS + 5 years, MS + 3 years, PhD + 0 years.

How many years of experience does this Development Engineer II - Metrology role require?

The posting calls for at least 5 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Development Engineer II - Metrology role work with?

perovskite, thin films.

What techniques or methods are required for this Development Engineer II - Metrology role?

electro-optical characterization, thin-film metrology.