Development Engineering Technician II (m/w/d)

Become a Development Engineering Technician II with First Solar in Perrysburg, US. Support manufacturing tests, troubleshoot processes, and analyze data. Enjoy a competitive salary and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Join First Solar as a Development Engineering Technician II in Perrysburg, United States. In this role, you will support manufacturing tests, troubleshoot equipment issues, and analyze test data. You will work under minimal supervision and have the opportunity to train others. Enjoy a competitive hourly wage and be part of a diverse and inclusive workforce that values your contributions.

First Solar Perrysburg, United States On-site Full Time USD 23–32 per hour UTC-05:00

First Solar

Company Overview

Name

First Solar, Inc.

Headquarters

Tempe, AZ, United States

Founded

1999

Size

Approximately 7,000 employees globally (source: linkedin.com).

What They Do

First Solar specializes exclusively in thin-film photovoltaic solar technology, utilizing cadmium telluride (CdTe) semiconductors to manufacture large-format glass-glass modules. Their flagship products, the Series 6 Plus and Series 7 modules, are designed to produce electricity with a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to conventional crystalline silicon panels. This innovative approach allows First Solar to use only 2% of the semiconductor material per watt, completing production in just 4.5 hours per module under one roof, ensuring full traceability throughout the manufacturing process (source: investing.com). The company also engages in project development, operations and maintenance services, and offers complete PV solar power systems for third-party buyers, featuring innovative under-mount frames for quick installation and an in-house global recycling program that achieves a remarkable 90% recovery rate of semiconductor and glass materials (source: pvo-int.com). Their target markets include utility-scale developers, independent power producers, and commercial firms across various regions, including the United States, Europe, India, and the Middle East (source: investigate.afsc.org). As the largest solar manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere, First Solar is recognized as a Tier 1 producer, emphasizing energy security through domestic production and significant investments in research and development (source: hubspotusercontent-na1.net).

Projects & Track Record

First Solar has an impressive track record, having powered over 5,500 MW of large-scale solar plants across major European markets since 2005. Notable projects include supplying 104,000 panels to the Kalia solar farm in the occupied West Bank and 40,000 panels to Israel's largest solar farm located in the Ramat Hovav Industrial Zone (source: pvo-int.com). The company is currently expanding its manufacturing capabilities with a new 3.5 GW facility in Ohio that became operational in early 2023, and a $1 billion factory in Alabama set to begin operations in 2025. Additionally, First Solar is launching a plant in Tamil Nadu, India, expected to start production in late 2023, further enhancing its global capacity and supporting the anticipated growth in solar energy demand (source: hubspotusercontent-na1.net). The company’s strategic partnerships with utility-scale operators and system owners worldwide have solidified its position as a leader in the solar manufacturing sector (source: investing.com).

Recent Developments

In the past two years, First Solar has made significant strides in expanding its manufacturing footprint. In August 2022, the company announced a $1 billion investment for a new 3.5 GW manufacturing facility in Alabama, which is set to commence operations in 2025. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to increase U.S. solar output to over 10 GW DC by 2025, creating approximately 15,000 indirect jobs and contributing an estimated $3.2 billion in economic value (source: hubspotusercontent-na1.net). The company has also begun construction on its first factory in India, located in Tamil Nadu, which is expected to start operations by late 2023. First Solar continues to maintain its status as the only U.S.-headquartered company among the top 10 global solar manufacturers, with a strong emphasis on research and development, having invested over $1.5 billion since 2010 (source: pvo-int.com).

Working There

First Solar offers a diverse range of roles across various departments, including engineering, product management, sales and marketing, operations, and manufacturing. The company’s headquarters in Tempe, AZ, serves as the hub for executive leadership and key teams, while its manufacturing facilities in Ohio and the upcoming Alabama site focus on production-scale growth (source: salestools.io). The corporate culture at First Solar emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, supported by open-plan offices, flexible seating arrangements, and wellness facilities. The company prioritizes employee well-being and professional growth, creating an environment that attracts top talent (source: salestools.io). Comprehensive benefits are offered to employees, although specific details regarding packages are not extensively documented in available sources (source: salestools.io).

Contact

Website · Careers · LinkedIn

Last updated on 2025-12-26 | Report an issue

Job Description

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

Basic Job Functions

Support DE tests in the manufacturing line or perform testing in a lab environment.
Use understanding of engineering & tech skills to interpret instructions into actions and experimental outcomes.
May assist in troubleshooting tool/process issues and suggest system improvements to achieve performance goals.
May compile and analyze test data from performed testing.

Education/Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician I at First Solar.
Associate'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 Technician I at First Solar.
Bachelor's Degree in engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience.

Required Skills/Competencies

Ability to perform sample testing, semiconductor device fabrication and/or electrical or optical measurements.
Ability to troubleshoot basic to moderate process and equipment issues on the production line or in the lab.
Intermediate knowledge in MS Office and some knowledge of SQL/JMP.
Expert in execution of experiments in lab or floor. May train others.
Ability to communicate on a regular basis with all levels of associates.

Essential Responsibilities

Applies some technical skills to the position. May adapt procedures, processes, tools, equipment, and techniques to meet the more complex requirements of the position.
Duties and tasks are frequently non-routine. Able to resolve many questions and problems independently.
Has ownership within his/her functional group of a particular operational process or equipment. Oversee maintenance and trains others in this process.
Plan, coordinate and execute engineering tests (ETAs) on the production line, coupon line or laboratory, including coordination across team boundaries.
Work under minimal supervision.
Comply with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced.
Other duties as assigned.
Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to Development Engineer or Development Manager.

Work Schedule

M-F between 1pm-9:30pm

Estimated Salary Range

$23.03-$32.21 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.

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.