Research Intern (Materials Science/Engineering)

Job Description

Research Intern (Materials Science/Engineering) | First Solar

The Tone:
This is an internship at First Solar, a company dedicated to leading the world’s sustainable energy future, specializing in the development and manufacturing of advanced thin-film solar modules. This role is crucial for interns to gain real-world experience, discover new solutions in materials science, and contribute directly to the innovation driving the company’s mission to advance solar energy technology. Interns will face daily challenges, enhance their skills, and engage within a culture that encourages collaboration and learning.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Seasonal (Summer 2026, May-August)
• Pay: $22.00–$25.00 hourly
• Mission: Investigate and analyze solar cell grain structures to establish baseline knowledge of material processing parameters and their influence.
• Tech Stack: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Electron Back-scattered Diffraction (EBSD), Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, OneNote

What You’ll Actually Do
• Training: Learn all sample preparations and measurements related to Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electron Back-scattered Diffraction (EBSD).
• Analysis: Gain hands-on experience operating advanced lab equipment to perform state-of-the-art structure analysis of solar cell absorbers.
• Research: Conduct EBSD analysis on the grain structure of solar cells and investigate factors influencing grain structure deposition.
• Knowledge Building: Help build baseline knowledge concerning process parameter variations and their impact on grain size and orientation.
• Presentation: Present accomplishments and a comprehensive project summary to the leadership team upon the internship’s completion.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Currently enrolled as a Sophomore or higher level college student, with a preference for undergraduate students in Material Science, Chemistry, or Engineering.
• Experience: Demonstrated hands-on experience with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) acquired through classes.
• Skills:
• Ability to operate advanced analytical instruments and sample preparation tools effectively after receiving training.
• Strong communication skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Capability to plan, organize, and execute engineering experiments independently with minimal supervision.
• Intermediate proficiency in computer applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
• Commitment to adhering to all safety procedures, good housekeeping standards, and the use of personal protective equipment.