Development Engineer Intern (Spring 2027)

About the role

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Leading the world’s sustainable energy future, at First Solar interns play a vital role in shaping the future of sustainable energy. Opportunities are available across various departments including research and development, marketing, project development, information technology, engineering, and energy services. Interns gain hands‑on, real‑world experience and are challenged daily to solve meaningful problems. You’ll have the chance to explore innovative solutions, develop new skills, and contribute to impactful projects that align with our mission. First Solar fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, encouraging team members to take smart risks, learn from setbacks, and continuously improve. Interns are expected to take ownership of their work and demonstrate accountability while working toward a cleaner energy future.

Responsibilities

• Work with project engineers to design, build, test, and validate different prototype samples and project modules.
• Develop and execute new test methods and test structures.
• Present accomplishments and project summary to the leadership team upon completion of the internship.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Technical or engineering degree (in progress is acceptable).
• Experience in a lab and workbench environment.
• Rapid prototyping and fabrication experience is a plus.
• First Solar encourages all interns to register their internship with their university.

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and hands‑on.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with MS programs and JMP software.
• Soldering experience is a plus.

Requirements

• Physical requirements: sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day; climb stairs or steps frequently; lift up to 58 pounds occasionally; lift up to 37 pounds frequently; push or pull up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; push or pull up to 37 pounds of force frequently; use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects frequently; 20/40 vision in each eye separately and both eyes (with or without correction), ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green, and peripheral vision >70 degrees required; may reach above shoulder heights and below the waist frequently; may stoop, kneel, or bend occasionally; must comply with all safety standards and procedures; ability to wear required personal protective equipment (steel‑toed shoes, cut‑resistant gloves, jackets, aprons &/or arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) as a condition of employment (requires little or no facial hair).
• Office physical requirements: interact with people and technology while standing or sitting; communicate face‑to‑face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation.
• All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.

Pay

Estimated Hourly Range: $22.00‑$25.00/hr.

Schedule

Expected Length of Internship: Spring 2027, approximately January 15 through May 15. As an internship company, we allow flexibility to enroll in classes while working as an intern, if it doesn’t interfere with the