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Development Engineer Technician I

First Solar · Santa Clara, CAtoday
$51k – $72k

Support development engineers by performing semiconductor thin-film testing and fabrication in a lab environment.

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Coatings/films · R&D / Research roles, by email
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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Hands-on with wet/dry coating, etching, and laser processing for next-gen solar cells

Might not be for you. Technician-level role with recurring tasks and daily supervision; not for those seeking independent research

Mostly at the benchHands-on execution First industry roleBS acceptable

Adjacent materials rolePrior experience in wet coatings (spin coat, spray coat, slot die), dry coatings (sputter, CVD, ALD, evaporation), etching, laser processing, thermal processing

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
Entry level
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
High school
Experience
1–4 yrs
Industry
Energy
Role
R&D / Research
Techniques
sample testingelectrical measurementsoptical measurementsspin coatspray coatslot dieindustrial inkjet

Role details

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: Support DE perform testing in lab environment. Use understanding of engineering & tech skills to interpret instructions into actions and experimental outcomes. May assist in troubleshooting tool/process issues and suggest system improvements to achieve performance goals. May compile and analyze test data from performed testing. Education/Experience: High School Diploma or equivalent and 4 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as an Engineering Test Support II at First Solar.

Associate’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 2 years of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as an Engineering Test Support II at First Solar. Bachelor’s Degree and 1 year of relevant technical experience or 1 year of experience as an Engineering Test Support II at First Solar Required Skills/Competencies: Ability to perform sample testing, semiconductor device fabrication and/or electrical or optical measurements. Ability to learn the operation, calibration, and preventative maintenance of lab and process equipment and systems.

Intermediate knowledge in MS Office Some knowledge of SQL/JMP a plus Execute experiments efficiently and effectively with high fidelity. Ability to communicate on a regular basis with all levels of associates. Prior experience in wet coatings (spin coat, spray coat, slot die, industrial inkjet, cleaning), dry coatings (sputter, CVD, ALD, evaporation), etching (dry and wet), laser processing, thermal processing, device testing a plus Essential Responsibilities: Applies engineering or science skills and may develop advanced skills using tools and equipment. Duties and tasks are mostly recurring. Resolves routine questions and problems and refers more complex issues to higher levels.

May have oversight over certain areas/processes affecting the group. Be able to analyze work environment and make suggestions for continuous improvement for enhanced productivity, safety, or performance. Work under daily supervision. Follows standard procedures and written instructions to accomplish assigned tasks. Complies with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced. Other duties as assigned. Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships: Reports to Development Engineer Travel: Up to 10% domestic Estimated Salary Range: 24.56 USD per hr- 34.81 USD per hr 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 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.

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Common questions

What is the salary for the Development Engineer Technician I role at First Solar?

The listed annual base salary range is $51K–$72K. 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 Technician I role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Development Engineer Technician I role at First Solar based?

This role is based in Santa Clara, CA.

What degree is required for the Development Engineer Technician I role at First Solar?

The posting accepts the following combinations: High school + 4 years, Associate + 2 years, BS + 1 year.

How many years of experience does this Development Engineer Technician I role require?

The posting calls for 1–4 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Development Engineer Technician I role work with?

thin films, coatings.

What techniques or methods are required for this Development Engineer Technician I role?

sample testing, electrical measurements, optical measurements.