Intern- Reliability Physics USA (Summer 2026)

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

Basic Job Functions:

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:

• The internship is expected to start in May and last through August, 2026 (dates flexible)

• 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:

• Working towards a Bachelor of Science (4-year program), Master of science, or PhD degree in engineering or similar technical discipline.
• First Solar encourages all interns to register their internship with their university.
• Strong preference for candidates with basic skills and experience in one or more of the following areas: electronics, mechanics, laboratory measurements, microscopy, physics, mathematics, statistics, and chemistry.
• Familiarity with photovoltaic measurement techniques including IV, CV and QE measurement, thermography and IR imaging is a plus.
• Familiarity with Accelerated Life Test equipment, test methods and test structures used in support of failure analysis is a plus.
• Experience in networking lab equipment to control experiments and record data to a database is preferred.
• Prior internship or work in a manufacturing facility or R&D lab desired but not required.
• Safety first mindset.
• good knowledge of physics and chemistry concepts.
• experience in collecting data from experiments.
• good communication and teamwork.
• Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs.

Required Skills/Competencies:

Basic Internship Scope (Project):

• The intern is expected to work on improving new solar cell device design/fabrication process. Key deliverables are identifying areas to improve and implementing some of the changes.
• Will conduct developmental tests, including sample fabrication and testing.
• Will compile and analyze data from testing and review results with engineering personnel to improve efficiency and stability of solar modules.
• Plan, organize, and execute engineering experiments in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. (Good multitasking skills a necessity)
• Summarize experimental data and present it in a clear concise format.
• Setup new equipment and networking for control of experiments and logging data to a database.
• Upon there completion of this internship, the intern is required to present their accomplishments and project summary to the leadership team.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position will report to the Sr. Manager- Reliability

Travel:

• 0% - 5% (On occasion/as needed for training, etc.)

Estimated Hourly Range:

• $18.00 - $25.00 per hour

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.