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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: * Lead design, implementation, and validation of electrical control systems ...

First Solar Inc.

Development Engineer II

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$105 - $142/hr

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Basic Job Functions: * Lead design, implementation, and validation of electrical control systems ...

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 ...

Simply Solar

Solar Roof Lead (South Bay)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$24.25 - $32.25/hr

... your first year * 7 paid holidays annually * Annual company events * Additional perks and ... Most solar installations are completed within 1-2 days * Professional, safe, and enjoyable work ...

Solar Audition

Solar Sales Consultants

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

As a Solar Consultant, you'll be the first point of contact with homeowners--educating them on the benefits of solar energy, qualifying their needs, and setting the stage for a successful ...

IPL (Indiana)

Solar & BESS Technician II

Adelanto, CA · On-site

$38K - $39K/yr

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

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Solar engineer?

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 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 is a well-known manufacturer of solar panels and renewable energy solutions, offering roles in engineering, manufacturing, and project management. Employees often cite a collaborative environment, opportunities for growth, and a focus on sustainability as positive aspects of working there. As with any company, experiences can vary based on role and location.

What qualifications do I need for First Solar?

First Solar typically requires candidates to have a relevant high school diploma or equivalent for entry-level positions, while technical roles may require specialized certifications or degrees in engineering, manufacturing, or related fields. Strong problem-solving skills, familiarity with solar technology or manufacturing processes, and the ability to work in a team environment are also important qualifications.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Development Engineer II

First Solar

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

First Solar rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 77 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

461st of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description


First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
Basic Job Functions:
  • Lead design, implementation, and validation of electrical control systems and PLC/HMI programming
  • Support end-to-end equipment commissioning, vendor checkout, and system startup
  • Drive data collection, optimization, and visualization for control systems
  • Develop software tools to improve workflows and enable AI/ML adoption
  • Integrate equipment with MES, SQL databases, and enterprise systems
  • Troubleshoot and resolve control system and equipment issues

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.
  • Minimum 2 years of industrial work experiences in one or more of the following categories: equipment project engineering, equipment engineering, software engineering, control engineering, Automation engineering, AI/ML driven functional material development

Required Skills/Competencies:
  • Strong programming skills in Python, with experience using libraries such as NumPy, pandas, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or PyTorch
  • Experience with controls engineering and industrial automation systems, including PLC/HMI programming and electrical/control system troubleshooting
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD, with the ability to interpret and develop electrical schematics and panel layouts
  • Solid understanding of electrical and electronic control systems, with hands-on troubleshooting experience
  • Familiarity with robotics systems, motion control (servo motors, stepper motors, AC/DC drives), and vision systems (e.g., Cognex configuration and programming)
  • Experience coordinating with international vendors, including equipment integration and technical communication
  • Working knowledge of machine learning concepts and data preprocessing techniques for industrial applications
  • Familiarity with MSSQL/SSMS and data visualization tools for data analysis and reporting
  • High proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
  • Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail

Essential Responsibilities:
  • Design and enhance control software for process, metrology, and analytical equipment, enabling more efficiency research workflows and future machine learning and AI adoptions.
  • Streamline database systems through administration, automation, and performance tuning to ensure reliable and efficient data operations.
  • Develop tailored software tools and applications to address evolving site-specific challenges and improve overall productivity.
  • Responsible for designing, programming, and coordination of small to mid-scale control systems and projects, enabling remote control where desired; responsible to assist with coordination of new equipment installation and implementation; responsible for maintaining and updating of process tool electrical drawings, ensuring the tracking of equipment changes is documented and drawings are kept current; responsible for troubleshooting and problem-solving equipment issues, especially control related; responsible to support cross functional teams on large projects including hardware bring-up/troubleshoot, software develop/CIP/debug, drive vendor communication; responsible to bridge gap of existing and new equipment in databasing to handshake with corporate server and be able to interface data transaction
  • Maintain effective communications levels and fosters team building.
  • Responsible for assisting with communication between process equipment and SQL database.
  • Ensures adherence to all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.

Reporting Relationships:
  • Report to Sr Member of the Technical Staff
  • May have direct reports
  • Up to 10% domestic/international

Travel:
Estimated Salary Range:
  • 104,910 USD per year- 142,000 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.
  • 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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