Leading provider of solar energy solutions, manufacturing innovative photovoltaic modules.
Research and develop materials/devices to improve thin‑film solar cell efficiency and reliability.
4 days ago ago
$78,600 - $112,000
Expert & Leadership (13+ years)
Full Time
Perrysburg, OH
Hybrid
Company Size
3,700 Employees
Service Specialisms
Engineering
Project Management
Design
Construction services
Technical Services
Consulting
Turnkey
Sector Specialisms
Energy
Utilities
Commercial
Industrial
Role
Description
experiment planning
statistical analysis
material characterization
reliability testing
predictive modeling
solar research
Plan, execute and characterize development engineering experiments in the laboratory and manufacturing environment.
Responsible for projects or functions that are enablers to department goals and deliverables.
Applies statistical and engineering methods to optimize organizational effectiveness. Improves methods for use by others.
Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift.
May apply physics-of-failure principles to identify root causes of material and device degradation.
Apply state-of-the-art techniques for material analysis, statistical analysis of data or execution/planning of experiments. Develop a work plan that can address problems with well understood solution paths.
Will lift, push or pull up to 37 pounds on an occasional basis.
May be responsible to determine and evaluate material specification for improved performance. May be responsible to determine and evaluate tool/equipment specifications.
May train, mentor and manage junior associates.
Complies with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced.
May develop reliability tests for design validation/verification and life prediction of new product designs.
May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost.
Identify opportunities for improvement in solar cell efficiency, material selection and process/equipment design through engineering, scientific or empirical methods.
May develop predictive models for lifetime estimation and reliability risk assessment based on data and ALT results.
Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
Requirements
phd
master's
lab
analytical
communication
safety compliance
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.
Skills and hands-on experience in execution of experiments in laboratory or manufacturing environment.
Up to 15% of travel required for both local and international destinations (e.g., site visits, conferences, supplier audits).
Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience.
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.
May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
Good communication skills across organizations.
Analytical skills to interpret data and derive conclusions.
20/40 vision in both eyes together, with or without correction, is required.
Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
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.
Comprehensive understanding of functional business units’ core area (e.g., sputter or materials science), with expert knowledge in at least one area.
Ability to make and execute detailed plans to achieve objectives with strong sense of ownership.
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.
Effective communicator with internal and external partners and customers. Effective team member that can support cross-functional projects and take ownership of sub-deliverables.
Benefits
$78,600-$112,000 Annually.
Training + Development
Information not given or found
Interview process
Information not given or found
Visa Sponsorship
Information not given or found
Security clearance
candidates must complete a background check and any required tests before employment.
Company
Overview
20 GW
Solar Installations Completed
Completed over 20 gigawatts of solar installations globally, demonstrating significant contributions to renewable energy projects worldwide.
Focuses on manufacturing advanced photovoltaic (PV) solar modules and providing utility-scale PV power plants.
Offers a range of solutions, from manufacturing to large-scale solar power projects, emphasizing sustainability.
Pioneers a closed-loop recycling process for solar panels, reducing environmental impact.
Drives clean energy transformation with integrated solutions including development, financing, and operation of solar plants.
Culture + Values
“Responsible Solar” — commitment to environmental stewardship from sourcing through end‑of‑life management
“Principled foundation” — zero tolerance for human rights abuses and strong governance
Transparency — first solar manufacturer to publish onsite third‑party social‑audit findings globally
Since 2008, GHG intensity reduced ~77%; since 2020, energy per watt down 15%, water intensity down 48%
2023: manufacturing water recycling up 88%, 318M L recycled; water intensity down 6%, waste intensity down 28%
Series 6 Plus and Series 7 TR1 modules achieved EPEAT Climate+ (≤400 kg CO₂ e/kWp)
Manufacturing energy intensity per watt reduced 65% since 2009; goal: 74% by 2028
Inclusion & Diversity
Conducted RBA‑validated third‑party social audits across global manufacturing: U.S. and Vietnam received platinum rating; Malaysia facility assessed and corrective actions underway