Development Engineer II - Perovskite Device Physics

Job Description

• Design, execute, and analyze experiments to evaluate perovskite solar cell performance.
• Perform advanced statistical data analysis and root‑cause segmentation.
• Develop and apply physical, empirical, or statistical models to understand device behavior and measurement technique outputs.
• Develop new perovskite device characterization techniques.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with process development, metrology, and reliability teams to integrate findings into scalable solutions.
• Maintain detailed documentation of experimental procedures, results, and analysis.
• Present findings to internal stakeholders and contribute to technical publications and patent filings.
• Support scale‑up efforts and technology transfer to pilot and manufacturing teams as needed.

• Associate’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 I at First Solar.
• Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 5 years of relevant technical experience, or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Master’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 3 years of relevant technical experience, or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
• Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience.
• Experience with perovskite devices, preferred.
• Proficiency in scientific programming tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB), preferred.
• Familiarity with degradation studies and reliability testing, preferred.
• Experience in industrial or applied research settings, preferred.

• Excellent understanding of semiconductor physics, optoelectronics, and photovoltaic device operation.
• Hands‑on experience in executing experiments in a laboratory or manufacturing environment.
• Hands‑on experience with a variety of electro‑optical device characterization techniques (e.g., JV, EQE, PL, TRPL, transmission‑reflection, impedance spectroscopy).
• Strong understanding of materials analysis techniques (e.g., SIMS, SEM, EDS, GDOES).
• Strong statistical data analysis skills.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and ability to work independently and in teams.
• Strong sense of project ownership with a can‑do attitude.
• Strong communication skills across organizations.

• Perform perovskite device characterization, analysis, and root‑cause segmentation to quantify performance and diagnose underperformance.
• Identify opportunities for improvement in solar cell performance and reliability, and in methods and tools for characterization.
• Improve state‑of‑the‑art techniques for perovskite solar cell characterization and statistical analysis.
• Develop work plans for problems with unclear solution paths.
• Determine and evaluate material specifications for improved performance; determine and evaluate tool/equipment specifications.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external partners and customers.
• Collaborate as a team member to support cross‑functional projects and take ownership of sub‑deliverables.
• Train, mentor, and manage junior associates on specific subject matters, if applicable.
• Comply with company environmental, quality, safety, and other policies; contribute to continuous improvement of those policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Reports to Perovskite Physics Manager.
• May have direct reports.

Minimal travel required.

• $80,700 – $115,000 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 frequently.
• 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required.
• Must comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist frequently.
• May stoop, kneel, or bend occasionally.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (e.g., steel‑toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron, arm guards) is required.
• All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator; the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair).

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.