Development Engineering 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: 

• Internship from January 2027 until May 2027 (Spring 2027)

• 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:

• Taken coursework related to physics, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or materials science.
• Intern must be currently pursuing a bachelors in a STEM related field, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or materials science preferred. 
• Intermediate knowledge of MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access).

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

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Ability to learn the operation, calibration, and preventative maintenance of process equipment and systems.
• Familiarity with basic electrical components.
• Ability to use analytical skills to read charts and graphs to find trends.
• Ability to apply statistical methods to analyze the desired data.
• Ability to communicate on a regular basis with all levels of associates.
• Continuous improvement/learning.
• Problem solver, can-do-attitude, willingness to push tasks forward and demonstrate ownership – go above and beyond consistently.

Basic Internship Scope (Project):

• 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. 

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

Estimated Hourly Range:

• $21.00- $25.00/hr.

US Physical Requirements:

Physical Requirements:

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Will climb stairs on a frequent basis.
• Will lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instruction.
• Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Will push or pull up to 37 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
• Will push or pull up to 10 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects repetitively on a frequent basis.
• 20/40 vision in each eye (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.
• May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
• 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, cut resistant gloves, jackets, aprons &/or arm guards, safety glasses, hearing protection).

Office Physical Requirements:

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. To best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

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.