Materials Development Intern (Summer 2026)

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

Basic Job Scope:

1. 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:

• 3 months encompassing Spring to Summer terms (with some flexibility)

• 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 a bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field (Sophomore-Senior level).

• Demonstrated understanding of material properties and common characterization techniques.

• Completion of general chemistry coursework, including a minimum of one laboratory course.

• Prior experience in an academic or industrial research laboratory is preferred.

• Must be currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program and not have completed graduation requirements.

• First Solar encourages all interns to register their internship with their university.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Working knowledge of fundamental physics and chemistry principles.

• Experience collecting and recording experimental data in a laboratory or academic setting.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.

• Experience with laboratory software, programming (e.g., Python), and/or data analysis tools (e.g., JMP) is preferred.

Basic Internship Scope (Project):

• Support the evaluation and characterization of materials used in solar cell and module production.

• Conduct laboratory-scale experiments to assess material properties, including optical performance, thermal stability, UV resistance, and electrical performance.

• Perform data collection, analysis, and documentation to support material trials and validation studies.

• Collaborate with engineers and scientists to identify opportunities for material performance and process improvements.

• Prepare technical reports and presentations that summarize results, conclusions, and recommendations.

• Assist with laboratory equipment upkeep and ensure compliance with applicable safety protocols.

• At the conclusion of the internship, the intern will present project outcomes and a summary of accomplishments to the leadership team.

Estimated Salary Range:

• $18.00-$25.00 Hourly.

US Physical Requirements:

Hybrid 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.