Data Science Intern – Device Characterization (Spring 2027)

Location: Perrysburg, OH, United States Department: Intern

Basic Job Scope

Leading the world’s sustainable energy future, First Solar interns work around the globe/country in research and development, marketing, project development, information technology, engineering, energy services and much more. When you work at First Solar, you will be challenged every day and provided real world experience. You will be given the opportunity to find new solutions and develop new skills to further advance your skillset. At First Solar we strive to foster a culture that encourages innovation through collaboration, urging colleagues to take smart risks, learning from failures and course correcting, and owning personal accountability for contributing to our mission.

Expected Length of Internship

6 months, spanning the Spring/Summer or Summer/Fall semesters (minimum length needed to complete both phases of the project scope below).

As an internship company, we allow flexibility to enroll in classes while working as an intern, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the essential functions of the position.

Education/Experience

Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or Data Science; upper-level undergraduate (junior/senior) or graduate student.

Proficiency in Python for data analysis (pandas, numpy, scipy).

Working knowledge of solar cell J-V characteristics (Voc, Jsc, FF, PCE, Rs, Rsh), photoluminescence (PL) or electroluminescence (EL) for semiconductor device characterization, image analysis, curve-fitting or anomaly-detection methods, or basic machine learning.

First Solar encourages all interns to register their internship with their university.

Required Skills/Competencies

Python data analysis (pandas, numpy, scipy, matplotlib); understanding of PV device physics and common J-V curve anomalies (hysteresis, S-kink, shunting); basic image-analysis or statistical-correlation techniques; strong documentation and communication skills to work effectively with an engineer mentor.

Basic Internship Scope (Project)

The intern will build data pipelines that automate device characterization for perovskite panels, working alongside an engineer mentor with access to historical IV data, an image/performance library, and a workstation, internal server, or cloud compute access.

Major project – Automated Device Characterization Pipeline: Months 1–3, build a Python pipeline that auto-extracts Voc, Jsc, FF, PCE, Rs, and Rsh from raw J-V files and classifies anomalies (hysteresis, S-kink, shunting, poor fill factor), delivering the pipeline plus an automated pass/fail report template. Months 4–6, extend the pipeline to assess YS300 EL images and correlate image-derived metrics with reverse-scan IV metrics, establishing go/no-go screening criteria for panels entering finishing. This standardizes anomaly classification across the team and lays the groundwork for pre-finishing panel screening that reduces BOM losses.

Upon the completion of this internship, the intern is required to present their accomplishments and project summary to the leadership team.

Estimated Salary Range

$22-$25/hr.

US Physical Requirements

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.