Development Engineer Intern - Finishing (Fall 2024)

Leading the world’s sustainable energy future, First Solar interns work around the globe/country in research and development, marketing, project development, information technology, engineering, energy services and much more. When you work at First Solar, you will be challenged every day and provided real world experience. You will be given the opportunity to find new solutions and develop new skills to further advance your skillset. At First Solar we strive to foster a culture that encourages innovation through collaboration, urging colleagues to take smart risks, learning from failures and course correcting, and owning personal accountability for contributing to our mission.

Expected Length of Internship

• Fall 2024 – August 26 through December 31.
• As an internship company, we allow flexibility to enroll in classes while working as an intern, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the essential functions of the position.

Education/Experience

• Currently pursuing bachelor’s in engineering or related technical field.
• Proficient in basic data collection, Microsoft office, statistical analysis methods, the scientific method and experiment execution, report generation, and presentation skills.
• CAD design, coatings/adhesives experience, surface analysis, materials testing, prototype equipment operation and programming are all a plus but not required.
• First Solar encourages all interns to register their internship with their university.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Basic data collection and engineering skills: test structure building, test execution (following or creating new procedures), data analysis and presentation skills.
• Ability to work in a large and diverse organization across several different departments to complete complex tasks and coordinate stages of sample prep and part assembly/testing.
• Ability to think critically, formulate hypotheses and generate experiment plans using the scientific method to learn about new materials and processes.
• Attention to detail and quality minded – ability to think critically on the fly and problem solve/root cause effectively.

Basic Internship Scope (Project)

• Process development and subsequent product testing to facilitate cost reduction savings while ensuring robust product performance – inclusive of programming of prototype equipment, potential for CAD design work, and generating coupon or module sample builds and test data.
• Identify areas of potential materials reduction using innovative process and design skills to save the company money while ensuring product reliability.
• Materials qualification to help the company generate valuable data to evaluate feasibility of new coatings, materials, or structural components and their impact on product or manufacturing equipment performance.
• Upon the completion of this internship, the intern is required to present their accomplishments and project summary to the leadership team.

Estimated Salary Range

• $17.00 - $27.27/Hour

US 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 27 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).

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.