First Solar
First Solar

60 First Solar Research And Development Engineer Jobs Hiring Near You

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset ... Will support developmental tests in the research and development line. * Operate and/or execute ...

Software Engineer- MES II USA

Perrysburg, OH

$91.90K - $125.90K/yr

Engineers' software, configures high-level software packages, and provides the final level of ... ones for First Solar's manufacturing, reliability, and R&D processes. * Integrate shop floor ...

Software Engineer- MES II USA

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$91.90K - $125.90K/yr

Engineers' software, configures high-level software packages, and provides the final level of ... ones for First Solar's manufacturing, reliability, and R&D processes. * Integrate shop floor ...

Software Engineer- MES II USA

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$91.90K - $125.90K/yr

Engineers' software, configures high-level software packages, and provides the final level of ... ones for First Solar's manufacturing, reliability, and R&D processes. * Integrate shop floor ...

Showing results 41-60

First Solar Jobs Information

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

To thrive as a Research and Development Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and often an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and project management systems is typically required, along with knowledge of industry-specific standards. Creativity, effective communication, and collaboration are crucial soft skills for innovation and teamwork. These skills enable R&D Engineers to design cutting-edge solutions, efficiently manage projects, and drive technological advancements in their industry.

How does a Research and Development Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development cycle?

Research and Development Engineers often work closely with teams such as product management, quality assurance, and manufacturing throughout the product development process. They contribute technical expertise during brainstorming sessions, share progress updates in regular meetings, and incorporate feedback from other departments to refine prototypes. Effective communication and teamwork are key, as R&D Engineers must ensure that their designs align with project requirements, regulatory standards, and production capabilities. This collaborative environment helps facilitate innovation while maintaining project timelines and product quality.

What are Research and Development Engineers?

Research and Development (R&D) Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test new products, processes, or technologies. They work to innovate and improve existing products, often collaborating with other engineers, scientists, and product managers. Their responsibilities include conducting experiments, analyzing data, and ensuring that new developments meet industry standards and customer needs. R&D Engineers play a crucial role in keeping companies competitive by driving innovation and technological advancement.

What does a research and development engineer do?

A research and development engineer designs, develops, and tests new products, processes, or technologies to improve existing offerings or create innovative solutions. They often work with scientific principles, use tools like CAD software, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring concepts from idea to prototype or production. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of engineering fundamentals are essential in this role.

What is the difference between Research And Development Engineer vs Product Development Engineer?

AspectResearch And Development EngineerProduct Development Engineer
Primary FocusInnovating and exploring new technologies or conceptsDesigning, developing, and improving specific products
Work EnvironmentLabs, research facilities, early-stage projectsManufacturing, testing, and product launch phases
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, research experience, possibly advanced degreesEngineering degree, practical product design experience

Research And Development Engineers focus on creating new technologies and exploring innovative ideas, often working in labs and research settings. Product Development Engineers concentrate on transforming concepts into market-ready products, working closely with manufacturing and testing teams. Both roles require engineering backgrounds, but their core objectives and work environments differ significantly.

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.

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 43 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

Does First Solar pay people when they’re sick?

No. Most people don’t get paid when they’re sick.
81% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 43 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 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.
58% of people say they have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

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

Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
88% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 41 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

Do people get paid time off at First Solar?

Most people get paid time off work.
78% of people say they get paid time off.
Based on data from 46 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

Do workers at First Solar worry about hours?

Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
90% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 48 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

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

Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.
50% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.
Based on data from 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

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

Some people find it hard to change shifts.
59% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.
Based on data from 17 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and May 2026.

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

Most people find it easy to get time off.
80% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 40 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 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 46 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

Do workers at First Solar do extra work that they don't get paid for?

Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.
89% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.
Based on data from 46 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

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

Most people find it easy to take sick days.
74% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 42 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 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.
67% of people who care for a child or other relative report this is a good place to work.
Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and May 2026.

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

Some people don’t feel treated with respect by their managers.
40% of people say they’re not treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

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

Most people get breaks without interruption.
67% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.
Based on data from 45 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

Is it stressful to work at First Solar?

Most people feel stressed out here.
72% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.
Based on data from 46 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 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 45 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and May 2026.

Do people at First Solar recommend working with their team?

Only some people recommend working with their team.
63% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 49 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 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 43 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 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, 48% of people report not being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 44 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 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.
89% 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 44 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.

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

Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
60% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 45 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.
What are the most popular categories at First Solar?
Infographic showing various Research And Development Engineer job openings at First Solar in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.
Development Engineering Technician II

Development Engineering Technician II

First Solar

Perrysburg, OH • On-site

$23.37 - $32.69/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


First Solar rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

394th 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:
  • Support DE tests in the manufacturing line or perform testing in a lab environment.
  • Use understanding of engineering & tech skills to interpret instructions into actions and experimental outcomes.
  • May assist in troubleshooting tool/process issues and suggest system improvements to achieve performance goals.
  • Ability to design, execute and present the test data from experiments is required for this role.
  • Write work instructions and SOP's for operating equipment.

Education/Experience:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer Technician I at First Solar.
  • Associate'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 Technician I at First Solar.
  • Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience, preferred.
  • General electrical/electronic and mechanical knowledge.

Required Skills/Competencies:
  • Ability to perform sample testing, semiconductor device fabrication and/or electrical or optical measurements.
  • Ability to troubleshoot basic to moderate process and equipment issues on the production line or in the lab.
  • Knowledge of at least one programming language and prior work or school projects demonstrating this competency will be valuable for this role.
  • Expert in execution of experiments in lab or floor. May train others.
  • Ability to communicate and coordinate between multiple groups.
  • A self-starter with ability to troubleshoot and resolve tool issues.
  • Assist with critical process development of laser systems and scribe parameters.

Essential Responsibilities:
  • Apply some technical skills to the position. May adapt procedures, processes, tools, equipment, and techniques to meet the more complex requirements of the position.
  • Duties and tasks are frequently non-routine. Able to resolve many questions and problems independently.
  • Has ownership within his/her functional group of a particular operational process or equipment. Oversee maintenance and trains others in this process.
  • Tool set up, and process optimization/development.
  • Operate and maintain tools. Perform scheduled preventative maintenance.
  • Plan, coordinate and execute engineering tests on Yellowstone line, including coordination across team boundaries.
  • Work under minimal supervision.
  • Complies with Company's Environmental, Quality, Safety or any other policies that have been enforced.
  • Some flexibility in work hours and ability to work overtime, as needed, is required.
  • Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:
  • Reports to Development Engineer or Development Manager.

Travel:
  • 0% - 5% (On occasion/as needed for training, etc.)

Estimated Salary Range:
  • $23.37-$32.69 Hourly

Work Schedule:
  • M-F between 8am-4:30pm

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 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 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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