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First Solar Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

First Solar

Development Engineer II

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions : * Serve as the materials analysis and metrology subject-matter expert ...

First Solar

Development Engineer II

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions : * Serve as the materials analysis and metrology subjectmatter expert ...

First Solar

Development Engineer IV

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: * Perform material and device research to enhance thin film perovskite solar ...

First Solar

Development Engineer IV

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: * Perform material and device research to enhance thin film perovskite solar ...

First Solar

Development Engineer I

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$89.44K - $127.40K/yr

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: * Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell ...

First Solar

Development Engineer I

Santa Clara, CA

$89.44K - $127.40K/yr

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: * Perform material and device research to enhance thin film solar cell ...

First Solar

Senior Technologist USA

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$232.57K - $331.50K/yr

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: * Expert and visionary championing key topics in industry-relevant perovskite ...

First Solar

Senior Technologist USA

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$232.57K - $331.50K/yr

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: * Expert and visionary championing key topics in industry-relevant perovskite ...

Housebuildr Inc

Solar Sales Closer

Beverly Hills, CA

$1K - $8K/wk

Training & development Solar Sales Closer High Ticket | Performance-Based Housebuildr | Full-Time | Field Sales | Leadership Track About Housebuildr Housebuildr is a results-first solar organization ...

The AES Corporation

Solar Technician II

Lancaster, CA · On-site

First Solar Tracker * High, Medium, Low voltage Switching * Performs other technical and administrative duties associated with operating and maintaining a power facility. * Ensures work is performed ...

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First Solar information

See California salary details

$27.1K

$86.9K

$144.1K

How much do first solar jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for first solar in California is $86,941.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Solar Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Solar Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical or mechanical engineering, renewable energy systems, and project management, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, SCADA systems, and industry certifications like PMP or NABCEP are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help drive project success and innovation. These skills are crucial for ensuring efficient solar project design, implementation, and ongoing performance in a rapidly evolving industry.

What are the typical cross-functional collaborations involved in a role at First Solar?

At First Solar, employees often work collaboratively across departments such as engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality assurance. These cross-functional teams are essential for ensuring that solar modules are designed, produced, and delivered efficiently and according to industry standards. Team members regularly participate in meetings to align on project goals, resolve technical challenges, and streamline processes. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and supports professional development by exposing employees to a wide range of expertise.

What does a job at First Solar entail?

Working at First Solar typically involves contributing to the design, manufacturing, or deployment of photovoltaic solar panels and systems. Employees may work in roles ranging from engineering and manufacturing to sales, project management, or research and development. The company focuses on advancing solar technology, improving energy efficiency, and supporting sustainability initiatives. Team members are expected to collaborate on innovative projects that help expand clean energy solutions. A job at First Solar often requires technical skills, a commitment to safety, and an interest in renewable energy.

What is the difference between First Solar vs Solar Panel Installer?

AspectFirst SolarSolar Panel Installer
CredentialsEngineering degrees, technical certificationsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, R&D facilitiesOn-site installation at various locations
Industry UsageSolar manufacturing, large-scale projectsResidential and commercial solar system installation
Job FocusDesign, manufacturing, and technical supportInstalling and maintaining solar panels

First Solar primarily focuses on manufacturing and engineering within the solar industry, often working in controlled environments. In contrast, Solar Panel Installers are hands-on workers who install solar systems on-site. Both roles are essential in the solar energy sector but differ significantly in credentials, work environment, and job responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to First Solar jobs in California? For First Solar jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Solar jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for First Solar jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for First Solar jobs? Cities in California with the most First Solar job openings:
First Solar jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Solar job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $86,941 per year, or $41.8 per hour.
Development Engineer II

Development Engineer II

First Solar

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

First Solar rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

392nd of 511 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Description
First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
Basic Job Functions:
  • Serve as the materials analysis and metrology subject-matter expert supporting R&D and process
  • Translate project requirements into actionable materials characterization strategy
  • Perform deep dives into materials science and failure mechanisms to identify root causes, and improvement opportunities
  • Partner cross-functionally within R&D teams to accelerate and disseminate learnings
  • Sustain laboratory operations by maintaining equipment, prioritizing request queues, and ensuring data quality and turnaround
  • Expand lab capabilities through procurement, method development, and adoption of new analytical techniques
  • Work with external vendors and collaborators for novel characterization methods

Education/Experience:
  • Associate's degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 15 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
  • Master's degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 3 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I at First Solar.
  • Ph.D. in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience
  • Material science background strongly preferred

Required Skills/Competencies:
  • Expertise in analysis of semiconductor materials and interfaces. Experience with perovskite materials is a plus.
  • Strong command of advanced materials characterization techniques (e.g., XRD/GIWAXS, SEM/TEM, XPS/UPS, PL/TRPL, AFM, TOF-SIMS) and their application to device stacks
  • Proven ability to translate analytical results into actionable guidance for process and device improvement
  • Experience in data analysis with Python or JMP. Scripting for data automation is a plus.
  • Ability to work independently with no supervision, follow Safe Work Practices and communicate on a regular basis with all levels of associates.
  • Excellent written, oral, computer and presentation skills
  • Demonstrated strength in critical thinking and attention to details
  • Good team player, accountable, agile, go-getter

Essential Responsibilities:
  • Apply advanced analytical techniques to assess composition, structure, defects, and degradation behavior
  • Investigate failure mechanisms, provide root-cause analysis and mitigation strategies
  • Translate characterization data into recommendations for device design, materials selection, and process optimization in collaboration with R&D and process teams
  • Develop, validate, and continuously improve analytical methods and workflows to support fast, reliable decision-making
  • Partner cross-functionally and communicate complex materials insights clearly to relevant stakeholders
    Reporting Relationships: Reports to Sr Manager- Process Development. May have direct reports

Travel: Up to 10% domestic or international.
Estimated Salary Range:
104,910 USD per year- 142,000 USD per year
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.

Office Physical Requirements:
All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. 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 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.

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