Development Engineering Intern (Fall 2026)

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: 

• August 31, 2026 to Nov 30, 2026

• 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:

• At least junior year enrollment in an undergraduate program required

• Must be pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering/ Chemistry.

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

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Strong critical thinking and attention to detail and effective communication skills
• Ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions and basic troubleshooting skills
• Hands-on experience with wet chemistry processing preferred but not mandatory 
• Hands-on experience with Lab experience in materials characterization, device fabrication, or testing but not mandatory
• Hands-on experience with vacuum equipment preferred but not mandatory 
• Hands-on experience in photovoltaic device fabrication/testing preferred but not mandatory
• Working knowledge of analytical tools (UV-Vis, AFM, SEM, SIMS, XRD, XRR, ellipsometry) preferred but not mandatory

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Apply foundational skills and progressively develop advanced competencies using tools and equipment relevant to the role or area of specialization.

• Perform tasks that may vary day-to-day and are not always standardized; resolve routine issues independently and escalate more complex problems to senior team members.

• Operate under daily supervision, adhering to established procedures and instructions to complete assigned duties effectively.

Basic Internship Scope (Project):

• Develop novel perovskite chemistries to enhance photovoltaic device efficiency, stability, and reproducibility.

• Engineer advanced hole transport layers (HTLs) to mitigate interfacial degradation and enable durable device performance.

• Perform electrical, optical, and materials characterization of thin films and devices to generate insights that drive performance improvements.

• Present key achievements, technical learnings, and project impact to the leadership team at the conclusion of the internship.

Estimated Hourly Range:

• $27.50-$31.25/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 a