Module Reliability Engineer Internship (Spring 2024)

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. 

For this position, the role of Module Reliability Engineer performs standardized and non-standardized testing of device performance to ensure product reliability throughout the 30 year product warranty and beyond.  The role will involve designing and conducting product testing along with compiling and analysing test data for review with engineering personnel to improve efficiency and stability of solar modules. 

Expected Length of Internship: 

• Internship will be a minimum of two (2) months and cover 2023 Spring Semester
• As an internship company, we allow flexibility to enable enrolment in classes while working as an intern, as long as it does not interfere with the essential functions of the position.

Education/ Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics and Computational Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or similar technical discipline
  • Senior (4th year) students completing a Bachelor's Degree in the above disciplines may also be considered
• First Solar encourages all interns to register their internship with their University.
• Experience working with databases and knowledge of applying advanced data analytics and data manipulation skills (JMP and SQL experience desirable).
• The candidate should have experience working with electronics and/or electrical measurement equipment used in a laboratory setting (DMM, power supplies, clamp-on current meters, IR camera, etc.)

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Plan, organize, and execute engineering experiments in a fast paced manufacturing environment.  (Good multitasking skills a necessity) 
• Must be able to summarize experimental data and present it in a clear concise format. 
• Familiarity with photovoltaic measurement techniques is a plus.
• Familiarity with ALT equipment, test methods and test structures used in support of failure analysis is a plus.
• Basic ability using tools and operating equipment required.
• Adheres to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Proven communications skills and attention to detail.
• Intermediate computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, OneNote, etc.).
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision, pay attention to detail and be results-oriented.
• Consistently demonstrates efficient and effective methods to deliver quality test results.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Organize and execute standardized product reliability testing.
• Responsible to ensure that all the tests and measurements are complete per the schedule.
• Perform data entry and analysis of accelerated product lifetime testing.
• Responsible to communicate immediately any abnormal findings on the product or testing equipment.
• Upon the completion of this internship, the intern is required to present their accomplishments and project summary to the leadership team.

Reporting Relationships:

• NA

Travel:

• 0 - 10%

Estimated Salary Range:

• $18 - $24/hour

US Physical Requirements: 

Physical Requirements:

• Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
• Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis
• Will push or pull up to 27 pounds of force on an occasional 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).

Office Physical Requirements:

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. In order 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 band 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.