Development Engineer III -Device Characterization
First Solar, Inc.

First Solar is a leader in the development and manufacturing of thin film solar modules used in grid-connected solar power plants. Our high growth and position in the renewable energy industry offers outstanding opportunities to individuals seeking an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries for the 21st century. Our culture is one where teamwork, continuous improvement, achievement of results, and environmental responsibility are core values. We are seeking new associates that are motivated to contribute their talents to making cost effective solar energy an important part of the world's energy mix.


Basic Job Function

Plan, execute, and analyze designed experiments in laboratory supporting ongoing R&D efforts in collaboration with other members or the device and process development

Design, acquire and validate test structures for PV device characterization.

Define, acquire and validate equipment for electrical/optical characterization of small-area devices, sub-modules and full modules.

Design and fabricate photovoltaic devices with improved performance.


Experience:

Five (5) years of experience in an R&D in a high technology, high pace industry.

Experience in Semiconductor devices characterization.

Education:

M.S. in electrical engineering, physics, or material science required, Ph.D. preferred

Required Skills

Motivation to work independently

Ability to lead projects involving multiple internal and external parties

Safety-conscious

Creative thinker

Works efficiently under rigorous time constraints
Strong English written and verbal communications skills to ensure effective participation with interdepartmental teams.

Experience in and electro-optical semiconductor devices characterization

Experience with compound semiconductor devices and PN hetero-junctions.

Experience in design and implementation of semiconductor device test structures.

Experience and fluency in statistical data analysis and design of experiments.

Experience in operation and implementation of electro-optical characterization tools

Lab programming experience, with application for data collection and analysis is an advantage.

Demonstrated ability of problem solving.


Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Design experiments; direct technicians and create work instructions for the execution of device processing and characterization

Perform electrical/optical measurements and prepare summary reports

Interact with development engineering to identify current and future needs of device processing, characterization, and stress testing equipment

Maintain and support current characterization equipment; implement in collaboration with IT data analysis and data storage infrastructure