Laser Development Intern (Spring 2026)

First Solar

The Role

Overview

Assist in laser process optimization and materials characterization for PV modules.

Key Responsibilities

  • physical labor
  • manual handling
  • heavy lifting
  • safety compliance
  • standing
  • walking

Tasks

-Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day. -Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis. -Will push or pull up to 37 pounds of force on a frequent basis. -May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis. -Must comply with all safety standards and procedures. -Will push or pull up to 50 pounds of force on an occasional basis.

Requirements

  • ms office
  • stem
  • problem solving
  • statistics
  • laser
  • optical microscopy

What You Bring

-Intermediate knowledge of MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access). -Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including, but not limited to: steel-toed shoes, cut-resistant gloves, jackets, aprons &/or arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) and a condition of employment and continued employment (may require little or no facial hair). -Ability to communicate on a regular basis with all levels of associates. -Ability to learn the operation, calibration, and preventative maintenance of process equipment and systems. -Will climb stairs or steps on a frequent basis. -Intern must be currently pursuing an education in a STEM related field, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or materials science preferred. -Internship from January 2026 until May 2026 (Spring 2026). -Problem solver, can-do-attitude, willingness to push tasks forward and demonstrate ownership – go above and beyond consistently. -Ability to apply statistical methods to analyze the desired data. -Will lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instruction. -Upon the completion of this internship, the intern is required to present their accomplishments and project summary to the leadership team. -This internship offers hands-on experience in laser process optimization and materials characterization, with a focus on laser material interactions. The intern will support experimental testing, analyze materials using optical microscopy, and contribute to scaling up laser processes in photovoltaic modules. Responsibilities include preparing samples, measuring physical and electrical properties, and maintaining detailed experimental records. Strong communication, collaboration, and multitasking skills are essential, as the role operates in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. -Familiarity with basic electrical components. -Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis. -Ability to use analytical skills to read charts and graphs to find trends. -Taken coursework related to physics, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or materials science. -20/40 vision in both eyes (with or without correction) and the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green is required. -May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.

Benefits

-As an internship company, we allow flexibility to enroll in classes while working as an intern, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the essential functions of the position. -$22.00-$25.00 Hourly. -Leading the world’s sustainable energy future, First Solar interns work around the globe/country in research and development, marketing, project development, information technology, engineering, energy services and much more. When you work at First Solar, you will be challenged every day and provided real world experience. You will be given the opportunity to find new solutions and develop new skills to further advance your skillset. At First Solar we strive to foster a culture that encourages innovation through collaboration, urging colleagues to take smart risks, learning from failures and course correcting, and owning personal accountability for contributing to our mission.

The Company

About First Solar

-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.

Sector Specialisms

Energy

Utilities

Commercial

Industrial

Security Clearance

-all candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.