First Solar
First Solar

30 First Solar Jobs Hiring in California

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 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 ...

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 ...

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 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 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 ...

Showing results 21-30

First Solar Jobs Information

What is it like to work at First Solar?

First Solar is a company that values innovation, sustainability, and teamwork, fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment. The company's structure is organized into various teams, including engineering, manufacturing, and project development, working together to design, build, and deploy solar energy systems. Working at First Solar may appeal to individuals who are passionate about renewable energy, eager to contribute to a mission-driven organization, and interested in a fast-paced and challenging work environment.

What makes First Solar an attractive place to work?

First Solar is a leading global provider of photovoltaic solar modules and solutions, recognized for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the renewable energy sector. The company offers a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and professional growth, with opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and technologies. Joining First Solar provides a chance to contribute to the global transition to clean energy, develop new skills, and advance in a rapidly evolving industry with a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.

Do workers at First Solar get paid breaks?

Yes. Most people get paid breaks.
91% of people say they get paid breaks.
Based on data from 35 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2025 and September 2026.

Does First Solar pay people when they’re sick?

No. Most people don’t get paid when they’re sick.
83% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 36 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2025 and September 2026.

At First Solar, are sick days and vacation days separate paid time off?

Only some people have separate paid time off for sick days and vacation.
61% of people say they have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 36 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and August 2026.

Is the health insurance from First Solar affordable enough for their workers?

Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
89% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 36 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2025 and August 2026.

Do people get paid time off at First Solar?

Most people get paid time off work.
76% of people say they get paid time off.
Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2025 and September 2026.

Do workers at First Solar worry about hours?

Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
88% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 49 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and August 2026.

Do First Solar workers get to choose the shifts they work?

Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.
51% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.
Based on data from 43 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and August 2026.

How easy is it for First Solar workers to change shifts?

Some people find it hard to change shifts.
61% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.
Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and August 2026.

How easy is it to get time off at First Solar?

Most people find it easy to get time off.
78% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2025 and September 2026.

Do First Solar managers change schedules at the last minute?

Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
96% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and August 2026.

Do jobs at First Solar spill into time workers aren’t paid for?

Rarely. The job doesn't usually spill into unpaid time.
13% of people report that their job takes up time that they don’t get paid for.
Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and August 2026.

How easy is it to take sick days at First Solar?

Most people find it easy to take sick days.
71% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 35 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2025 and August 2026.

Is a First Solar job good for students?

Most students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.
67% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.
Based on data from 6 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and March 2026.

Is working at First Solar good if you’re a parent or caregiver?

Most parents and caregivers say this is a good place to work.
70% of people who care for a child or other relative report this is a good place to work.
Based on data from 20 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and August 2026.

Do people at First Solar feel treated with respect by their managers?

Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
69% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 39 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2025 and September 2026.

Do people at First Solar get to take their breaks without interruption?

Only some people get breaks without interruption.
36% of people report that their breaks get interrupted.
Based on data from 36 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2025 and September 2026.

Is it stressful to work at First Solar?

Some people feel stressed here.
65% of people say they often feel stressed at work.
Based on data from 37 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2025 and September 2026.

Do people at First Solar enjoy their jobs?

Only some people enjoy their job.
47% of people report they don’t enjoy their job.
Based on data from 49 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and August 2026.

Do people at First Solar recommend working with their team?

Only some people recommend working with their team.
55% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 40 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2025 and September 2026.

Do people get enough training when they start at First Solar?

Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.
47% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 36 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2025 and September 2026.

Do people get support to advance at First Solar?

Only some people are given support to advance their career here.
In the last year, 53% of people report not being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 36 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2025 and September 2026.

Do people think First Solar’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?

Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
86% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 35 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2025 and September 2026.

Do workers feel well informed about how First Solar is doing?

Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
58% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between September 2025 and September 2026.

What are popular cities in California for First Solar jobs?

Infographic showing various job openings at First Solar in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Development Engineer II

First Solar

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


First Solar rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 77 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

460th 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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