Development Engineer Intern (Spring 2027)

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

Basic Job Scope:

• Leading the world’s sustainable energy future, At First Solar, interns play a vital role in shaping the future of sustainable energy. Opportunities are available across various departments including research and development, marketing, project development, information technology, engineering, and energy services. Interns gain hands-on, real-world experience and are challenged daily to solve meaningful problems. You’ll have the chance to explore innovative solutions, develop new skills, and contribute to impactful projects that align with our mission. First Solar fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, encouraging team members to take smart risks, learn from setbacks, and continuously improve. Interns are expected to take ownership of their work and demonstrate accountability while working toward a cleaner energy future.

Expected Length of Internship:

• 2027 Spring: January - April

• As an internship company, we allow flexibility to enroll in classes while working as an intern, if it doesn’t interfere with the essential functions of the position.

Education/Experience:

• Pursuing a Bachelor's in a STEM-related discipline. Preferred majors include Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

  • Year: Senior undergraduate student or graduate student with strong academic standing

• Fundamental understanding of materials science and engineering principles, basic mechanical and electrical concepts, statistics and data analysis, and strong written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and experience working with technical data is preferred.

• Experience with polymer science, materials characterization, Instron mechanical testing equipment, failure analysis techniques, statistical process control, or manufacturing environments is beneficial but not required.

• First Solar encourages all interns to register their internship with their university.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Strong commitment to safety, ability to follow standardized work instructions, effective communication and teamwork skills, attention to detail in data collection and documentation, willingness to learn new tools and processes, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Basic Internship Scope (Project):

• The Development Engineering Intern will support Development Engineering activities during 1.5 or 2nd shift operations. The intern will learn and independently operate process and testing equipment, collect and analyse process data, communicate shift activities through detailed pass-down reports, and collaborate with engineers to identify process opportunities and investigate equipment or process excursions.

• Achieve qualification and safe operation of designated development engineering tools and equipment during 1.5 or 2nd shift operations.

• Prepare and distribute clear daily shift pass-down reports summarizing process performance, key observations, and follow-up actions.

• Monitor, collect, and analyze process data, document excursions, and support troubleshooting activities to improve process understanding.

• Support finishing operation for PKA inline runs to enable same day finishing process

• The project will help accelerate engineering decision-making from inline runs, enabling faster optimization of process conditions and supporting the department's continuous improvement objectives.

• Upon the completion of this internship, the intern is required to present their accomplishments and project summary to the leadership team.

Estimated Hourly Range:

• $22.00- $25.00/hr.

US Physical Requirements:

Hybrid 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 37 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 both eyes together, 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, and a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) for those requiring respirator use.

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.