Development Engineer IV

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.

• Develop predictive physical and physics‑inspired phenomenological models to study and improve fabrication processes, performance, and stability of new device technologies. Design experiments to parametrize and verify model accuracy.
• Perform material and device research to enhance thin‑film solar cell performance and stability while reducing manufacturing cost.
• Lead highly complex projects requiring significant innovation and critical to departmental objectives.
• Plan, execute, and characterize development engineering experiments in the laboratory and manufacturing environment, with iterative planning and risk‑de‑generation over long periods.
• Apply statistical and engineering methods to optimize organizational effectiveness and serve as core leader in one or more areas.

• Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 20 years of relevant technical experience, OR 2 years 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 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 as a Development Engineer III at First Solar.

• Technical expert and innovator in one area of photovoltaic processes and/or equipment development.
• Deep understanding of process/equipment interactions with ability to develop new solutions.
• In‑depth knowledge in several fields from photovoltaic device theory, materials science, process engineering, characterization techniques, and other relevant areas.
• Strong sense of project ownership with a hands‑on, can‑do attitude.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills for effective interdepartmental collaboration.
• Experience building mathematical descriptions of physical phenomena and using numerical methods to solve complex problems; familiarity with global optimization methods is a plus.
• Strong programming skills in at least one of MATLAB, Python, or C++.
• Advanced data analytics and data manipulation skills.

• Develop, parametrize, and verify models that
  • Quantitatively describe defect chemistry and mass transport in semiconductor stacks during fabrication and field operation, and predict resulting device performance.
  • Assess durability of device design and packaging regarding moisture ingress, electro‑chemical corrosion, and abnormal operating conditions.
• Use the developed models to optimize device architecture and fabrication process for performance and reliability of PV modules.
• Provide data‑driven recommendations to management on specific changes to improve device performance and reliability.
• Identify opportunities for improvement in 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 data analysis, or execution planning of experiments; develop a work plan that addresses unclear solution paths.
• Act as an effective communicator with internal and external partners and customers, demonstrating ability to lead cross‑functional efforts when needed.
• Possibly train, mentor, and manage junior and peer staff on subject matters; act as a specialist within the group.
• Comply with Company environmental, quality, safety, and other policies; contribute to continuous improvement of those policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

• Reports to Development Manager.
• May have direct reports.

• Minimal travel – less than two weeks per year.

• $97,500 – $139,000 Annually.

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for the entire shift.
• Will climb stairs occasionally.
• Will lift, push, or pull up to 37 pounds occasionally.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry, or feel objects…