Engineer – Development II – Photovoltaics

“The Development Engineer II will join our Emerging Photovoltaics research and development team in Silicon Valley, California. She/he will play a central role in our development of a broad range of emerging solar-cell materials, processes and device architectures. The work will include synthesis of organic and inorganic compounds, the fabrication and testing of photovoltaic devices.

Experience:

At least 3 years hands-on experience in the synthesis of organic/inorganic compounds, fabrication and testing of organic or hybrid organic-inorganic thin film solar cells Deep knowledge and experience of synthetic chemistry of organic and inorganic compounds
Experienced in thin film PV device process development, improvement and optimization Hand-on experience in using vacuum deposition tools as well as wet-processing lab equipment preferred.

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree required in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, with 5 years of technical work experience as an Engineer or 2 years as a Development Engineer I with First Solar; Master Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline, with 3 years of technical work experience as an Engineer or 2 years as a Development Engineer I with First Solar;
PhD in an in the fields of Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Surface Science, Applied Physics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field without experience preferred.

Post-graduate experience a plus

Required Skills/Competencies:

Experience in the following aspects of solar cell research:
Semiconductor device processing (solution- and/or vacuum processing).
Thin-film solar cell fabrication and testing.
Experience in optical and electrical characterization of semiconductors films
Practical and hands-on experience with device processing that covers full device integration processes.
Material characterization techniques such as PL, XRD, SEM, SIMS, ICP, AFM, XPS.
Safely handling hazardous materials and establishing safe operating procedures.
Organic and inorganic chemistry fundamental knowledge and hands-on experience

Familiar with Design of Experiment
Good communication skills. Can produce clear data, presentations, and reports, as well as oral presentations.
Good interpersonal skills, including working with cross-functional teams. Other behaviors include, integrative thinking, results oriented, self-awareness, mentor others, and willing to make changes

Essential Responsibilities:

Carry out R&D projects independently with minimal guidance
Conduct exploratory research on new materials and new solar cell structures
Develop process conditions to achieve improved device performance
Design, execute, and evaluate experiments on a lab scale
Perform comprehensive device performance tests, including reliability tests
Evaluate test outcome by material analysis, optical, and electrical characterization of thin-film solar cells
Closely coordinate, communicate and execute experiments internally and externally with collaborators
Commitment and dedication to meeting goals on time
Establishes safe operating procedures with hazardous materials
Ensure adherence to all Safety Procedures and Housekeeping standards.
Other duties as assigned
Job description subject to change at any time

Reporting Relationships:

This position will report to the Manager, Emerging Photovoltaics

Travel:

Up to 20% travel required
US Physical Requirements:

Hybrid 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)”