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Material Science Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Material Science Internship information

See California salary details

$18.6K

$54.8K

$126.3K

How much do material science internship jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science internship in California is $54,837.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28,887.00 and $70,014.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a material science internship?

A Material Science Internship is a temporary position, usually for students or recent graduates, that provides hands-on experience in the field of materials science. Interns work under the supervision of professionals to learn about the properties, development, and testing of materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. These internships often involve laboratory work, research projects, and technical reporting. The goal is to gain practical skills and industry knowledge that will be valuable for a future career in material science or related fields.

What types of projects or tasks are typically assigned to a material science intern?

Material science interns often work on hands-on projects such as conducting material characterization tests, analyzing data from experiments, and assisting with the development or improvement of new materials. You may collaborate closely with research scientists and engineers, participate in lab meetings, and help document findings. Interns are also commonly involved in literature reviews and may have opportunities to contribute to technical reports or presentations. This role provides valuable exposure to real-world research and development processes within a multidisciplinary team environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a material science intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Material Science Intern, you need a solid grounding in materials engineering, chemistry, and physics, typically gained through coursework in a relevant undergraduate program. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, materials characterization tools (such as SEM, XRD), and data analysis software like MATLAB or Python is often expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help interns contribute to research and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for successfully supporting research projects, ensuring accurate results, and gaining valuable industry experience.

What is the difference between Material Science Internship vs Materials Engineer?

AspectMaterial Science InternshipMaterials Engineer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in materials science, engineering, or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in materials science, metallurgical engineering, or related discipline
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, or corporate R&D departments, often temporary or project-basedDesign, develop, and test materials in industrial or manufacturing settings, often full-time
Industry UsageInternship programs in aerospace, automotive, electronics, and research institutionsFull-time roles in similar industries, focusing on product development and quality control

While a Material Science Internship provides hands-on experience and exposure to the field, a Materials Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for designing and improving materials in industrial settings. Internships are ideal for gaining initial industry insight, whereas engineers lead ongoing projects and innovations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Material Science jobs in California? The most popular types of Material Science jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Material Science Internship jobs in California? For Material Science Internship jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Material Science Internship jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Material Science Internship jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Material Science Internship jobs? Cities in California with the most Material Science Internship job openings:
Material Science Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Material Science Internship job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,837 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Development Engineering Intern (Fall 2026)

First Solar

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$27.50 - $31.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

First Solar rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 74 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 538 rated manufacturers

Job description


First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
Basic Job Scope:
  • 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.

Expected Length of Internship:
  • August 31, 2026 to Nov 30, 2026
  • As an internship company, we allow flexibility to enroll in classes while working as an intern, if it doesn't interfere with the essential functions of the position.

Education/Experience:
  • Intern must be currently pursuing an education in a STEM related field, Materials Science, Physics, Applied Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Renewable Energy Sciences preferred.
  • Minimum 2 years of undergraduate experience and have Material Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or related STEM field.
  • Prior experience in a manufacturing facility or R&D lab setting is desired but not mandatory.
  • Familiarity with high vacuum deposition tools and/or sputtering deposition processes is highly valued.
  • Additional skills (not required): thin film characterization familiarity (e.g. ellipsometry, Hall, XRD, UV-Vis, AFM, SEM, SIMS, XRR), knowledge of semiconductor device physics, electrical characterization techniques for solar cells (e.g., I-V, EQE, EL, PL), scripting experience, and experience with data analysis software such as JMP.
  • Hands-on experience with ALD equipment preferred but not mandatory
  • Hands-on experience with wet chemistry processing preferred but not mandatory
  • Hands-on experience in photovoltaic device fabrication/testing preferred but not mandatory
  • First Solar encourages all interns to register their internship with their university.

Required Skills/Competencies:
  • Safety first mindset; Ability to learn the operation of process equipment, new processes and characterization tools, and gain expertise in operation of sputter tools.
  • Good knowledge of physics and chemistry concepts; experience in collecting data from experiments; good communication and teamwork; strong computer skills.
  • Ability to analyze data, present it in an effective manner to team leaders, collaborate with other team members and be open to adapt to new challenges.
  • Demonstrated excellence at problem solving and ability to work independently.

Basic Internship Scope (Project):
  • Intern will work on physical vapor deposition tools involving sputtering of thin film layers for solar cell applications.
  • Sputtered buffer development to improve device stability for back and front contact. Deposit and engage in metrology of thin films.
  • The intern will learn and perform solar cell device fabrication and integration processes, characterizing prototype solar cells and modules to support sputtering process advancements and study of reliability.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and multitasking skills are essential, as the role operates in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  • Support the electrical and material characterization of thin films and photovoltaic devices
  • Upon the completion of this internship, the intern is required to present their accomplishments and project summary to the leadership team.

Estimated Hourly Range:
  • $27.50-$31.25/hr.

US Physical Requirements:
Manufacturing & Maintenance Physical Requirements:
  • Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
  • Will climb stairs or steps on a frequent basis.
  • Will lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instruction.
  • Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.
  • Will push or pull up to 50 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
  • Will push or pull up to 37 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
  • Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
  • 20/40 vision in both eyes (with or without correction) and the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green is required.
  • May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
  • May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
  • Must comply with all safety standards and procedures.
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including, but not limited to: steel-toed shoes, cut-resistant gloves, jackets, aprons &/or arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) and a condition of employment and continued employment (may require little or no facial hair).

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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