Development Engineer II - Perovskite Device Physics

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

Basic Job Functions:

• This role focuses on advancing the understanding and the performance of perovskite-based photovoltaic devices through experimentation, method development, data analysis, and modeling. The successful candidate will work in a collaborative, fast-paced R&D environment, contributing to the development of next-generation solar technologies and will be responsible for projects or functions that are highly complex and require significant innovation.

Minimum Education/Experience:

• 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 device fabrication and characterization preferred.
• Proficiency in scientific programming tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB) and modeling software (e.g., SCAPS, COMSOL) preferred.
• Familiarity with degradation studies and reliability testing preferred.
• Experience in industrial or applied research settings preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies:

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

Essential Responsibilities:

• Identify and pursue opportunities to improve perovskite solar cell performance and reliability through scientific, engineering, analytical, and empirical methods.
• Design, execute, and analyze experiments to evaluate device performance, reliability, and degradation mechanisms.
• Develop and enhance offline and inline characterization techniques for perovskite solar cells.
• Apply physical, empirical, and statistical models to interpret device behavior and measurement outputs.
• Perform advanced statistical analysis of experimental data to extract meaningful insights.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including process development, metrology, and reliability to integrate findings into scalable, manufacturable solutions.
• Support scale-up efforts and technology transfer to pilot lines and manufacturing teams.
• Evaluate and define material and equipment specifications to optimize device performance.
• Continuously improving experimental methodologies, data analysis techniques, and characterization tools.
• Develop structured work plans to address complex problems with ambiguous solution paths.
• Maintain thorough documentation of procedures, results, and analyses; contribute to technical publications and patent filings.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders; contribute as a proactive team member and mentor to peers and junior staff.
• Ensure compliance with Environmental, Quality, and Safety policies; contribute to their continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

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

Travel:

• Minimal travel required (<10%).

Estimated Salary Range:

• $78,600-$112,000 Annually.

US 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.