Thin Film Materials Synthesis Intern (Summer 2024)

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

Basic Job Scope:

• 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: 

• Summer 2024. Minimum duration is 3 months, flexible start date and possibility for longer duration.
• 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:

• >1 year experience with physical vapor deposition growth such as MBE or PLD required, senior PhD student is ideal
• Experience with ultra high vacuum tools required
• Experience or familiarity with Thin Film characterization techniques is a strong advantage, examples:
  • X-ray diffraction, x-ray reflectivity
  • Electrical transport, Hall measurements, magnetotransport
  • Ellipsometry  
  • Atomic force microscopy
  • Photoluminescence
  • Kelvin probe
  • XPS
  • Electron microscopy
  • Optical spectroscopy
• Understanding of semiconductor physics and defect physics is a strong advantage
• Statistical data analysis and design of experiments is a strong advantage
• Excellent communication skills, proven organizational skills
• B.S. in Material Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Must be currently enrolled in a PhD. Program at an accredited US university and preferably with a focus on Thin Film growth

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Good communication, reporting and presentation skill
• Experience with Thin Film growth
• Can do attitude with desire to learn new skills

Basic Internship Scope (Project):

• Intern will work with engineers on research and development of novel materials for photovoltaics. 
• Intern will perform Thin Film growth and characterization. Intern will participate in planning experiments and recommending next steps based on understanding of semiconductor materials. Previous experience in solar materials is a plus but not required. This position is ideal for a motivated PhD student who is interested in gaining experience in solar materials or industry research.
• Operation and maintenance of ultra high vacuum equipment
• Upon the completion of this internship, the intern is required to present their accomplishments and project summary to the leadership team.

Estimated Salary Range:

• $20.31-$34.65  per hour

US Physical Requirements:

Manufacturing & Maintenance 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.