Research Intern (Materials Science/Engineering)

Job Description

First Solar Internship Opportunity

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

Basic Job Scope

As an intern at First Solar, you will be part of a team leading the world’s sustainable energy future. Our interns work globally in diverse areas such as research and development, marketing, project development, information technology, engineering, and energy services. You will face daily challenges, gain real-world experience, and have the opportunity to discover new solutions and enhance your skills. First Solar fosters a culture that encourages innovation through collaboration, smart risk-taking, learning from failures, course-correction, and personal accountability to contribute to our mission.

Expected Length of Internship

• Duration: Summer 2026 (May-August).
• Flexibility: We allow flexibility to enroll in classes while working as an intern, provided it does not interfere with the essential functions of the position.

Education/Experience

• Academic Level: Sophomore or higher level college student.
• University Registration: First Solar encourages all interns to register their internship with their University.
• Preferred Background: Science background undergraduate students preferred, specifically in Material Science, Chemistry, Engineering, etc.
• Specific Experience: Hands-on experience with SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) during classes.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Able to operate advanced analytical instruments and sample preparation tools after training.
• Ability to plan, organize, and execute engineering experiments in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Adherence to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Proven communications skills and strong attention to detail.
• Intermediate computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, OneNote, etc.).
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, pay attention to detail, and be results-oriented.
• 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).
• All positions require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting.

Basic Internship Scope (Project)

The intern will:

• Learn all Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electron Back-scattered Diffraction (EBSD) related sample preparations and measurements.
• Gain hands-on experience on advanced lab equipment and perform state-of-the-art structure analysis of solar cell absorbers.
• Work on EBSD analysis of the grain structure of solar cells and investigate factors influencing grain structure deposition. This will help build baseline knowledge of PK variation(s) and processing parameters that influence grain size and orientation.
• Upon completion of the internship, present accomplishments and a project summary to the leadership team.

Estimated Salary Range

$22.00-25.00 Hourly

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.

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.