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First Solar Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 solar cell ...

First Solar

Development Engineer I

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$89K - $127K/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 · On-site

$89K - $127K/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

$232K - $331K/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

$232K - $331K/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

$232K - $331K/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

Material Handler I

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$29.38/hr

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: * Material Handler I is responsible for the safe, efficient, and accurate ...

First Solar

Material Handler I

Santa Clara, CA

$29.38/hr

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: * Material Handler I is responsible for the safe, efficient, and accurate ...

First Solar

Material Handler I

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$29.38/hr

F First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: * Material Handler I is responsible for the safe, efficient, and accurate ...

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All JobsFirst Solar JobsFirst Solar Jobs in California

First Solar information

See California salary details

$27.1K

$86.9K

$144.1K

How much do first solar jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 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.

Why is the First Solar falling?

First Solar, as a solar panel manufacturer, can experience stock price declines due to factors such as market volatility, changes in government policies, supply chain disruptions, or shifts in renewable energy demand. For job seekers, fluctuations in the company's performance may impact job stability or growth opportunities, especially in manufacturing and engineering roles. Staying informed about industry trends and company financial reports can help assess employment prospects.

What does First Solar pay?

First Solar offers competitive wages that vary depending on the role, location, and experience level. Entry-level positions typically start at or above minimum wage, with opportunities for raises and bonuses based on performance. Employees may also receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What is the highest salary in solar?

The highest salaries in the solar industry are typically earned by senior engineers, project managers, and executive roles, with top earners making over $150,000 annually. Salaries depend on experience, location, and company size, and specialized skills such as system design or project development can command higher pay.

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.

Is First Solar a good place to work?

First Solar offers roles in the solar energy industry with a focus on manufacturing, engineering, and project development. Employees often cite a collaborative environment and opportunities for growth, though experiences can vary by location and position. The company emphasizes safety, technical skills, and sustainability in its workplace culture.

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 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,941 per year, or $41.8 per hour.
Development Engineer IV

Development Engineer IV

First Solar

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

First Solar rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 72 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

428th of 519 rated manufacturers

Job description


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 performance and stability and to reduce manufacturing cost. This individual will serve as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) within the California Technology Center (CTC) for advanced sputtering deposition operations, vacuum technology, and thin-film materials development. Responsible for projects or functions that are highly complex, require significant innovation, and are critical to department objectives. Plan, execute, and characterize development engineering experiments in a laboratory environment with strategic foresight, operating in close alignment with Technical Fellows and senior technology leadership.
Essential Responsibilities:
  • Sputtering Technology Ownership: Assume a key ownership role in our sputtering deposition operations, vacuum systems, and next-generation PVD tool modifications within the organization.
  • Material & Process Innovation: Lead the development of innovative thin-film materials and sputtering processes to enhance the surface/interface and bulk properties required for high-efficiency, stable photovoltaic (PV) devices.
  • Solid-State Material Control: Control key material properties (phase, crystallinity, morphology, bulk/interface defect density, and band bending) via advanced material synthesis and deposition tuning.
  • Strategic Experimentation: Develop work plans that have unclear solution paths. Plan, execute, and analyze strategic development engineering experiments utilizing statistical methods and Design of Experiments (DOE).
  • Characterization & Failure Analysis: Identify opportunities for solar cell efficiency and durability improvements through advanced thin-film material analysis, device characterization, and failure analysis.
  • Specifications Management: Determine and evaluate material, target, and tool/equipment specifications for improved performance and organizational effectiveness.
  • Cross-Functional Leadership: Act as a core leader and specialist within the group. Demonstrate a strong ability to lead cross-functional efforts, drive external collaborators, and act as an effective communicator with internal and external partners.
  • Mentorship & Peer Collaboration: Collaborate with Technical Fellows and senior engineering peers to review technical risk and bridge foundational research with scalable engineering. Train, mentor, and manage junior engineers and peers on specific sputtering and vacuum technologies.
  • Compliance: Comply with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety, or any other policies that have been enforced, and contribute to the continuous improvement of said policies.

Education/Experience:
  • Ph.D. in Materials Science, Surface Science, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline and 10 years of relevant technical experience (or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer III at First Solar).
  • Master's Degree in the same disciplines and 15 years of relevant technical experience (or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer III at First Solar).
  • Bachelor's Degree in an engineering or technical discipline and 20 years of relevant technical experience (or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer III at First Solar).
  • Required Expertise: 10+ years of R&D experience in thin-film solar or a closely related field, with a deep, authoritative knowledge of vacuum technology, sputtering deposition mechanics, plasma physics, and their direct impact on the nucleation and growth of thin films.
  • Preferred Experience: Experience with thin-film perovskite solar cells or perovskite integration in an industrial R&D environment is highly preferred but not required.

Required Skills/Competencies:
  • Sputtering & Vacuum Expert: Technical expert and innovator in physical vapor deposition (PVD), target selection, magnetron/plasma dynamics, and vacuum systems engineering.
  • Characterization Mastery: In-depth knowledge of thin-film material characterization techniques with the proven ability to interpret complex data from tools such as Ellipsometry, XRD, XPS, RAMAN, UV-Vis, AFM/STM, TEM, and SEM.
  • Problem Solving: Deep understanding of material/process/device interactions with strong analytical skills to develop practical solutions and innovations where solution paths are unclear.
  • Communication & Influence: Excellent written and oral presentation skills; demonstrated strength across organizations to produce clear data, reports, and strategic executive summaries.
  • Mindset: Strong sense of project ownership with a hands-on, agile, and "can-do" attitude. Accountable team player who is willing to work odd or long hours when pressed by critical deadlines or urgent situations.

Reporting Relationships:
  • Reports to Director, California Technology Center, or (Sr) Manager of Process Development
  • May have direct reports.
  • Up to 10% domestic or international.

Travel: TBD
Estimated Salary Range: $129,480 per year- $180,000 USD per year
US 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 27 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 each eye, 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.
  • The 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).
  • All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair).

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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