Engineering Jobs at First Solar with Visa Sponsorship
Engineering jobs at First Solar span semiconductor manufacturing, photovoltaic module design, process engineering, and R&D for utility-scale solar. The company has an established sponsorship track record for engineering roles, supporting multiple visa pathways from OPT through permanent residence.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
BASIC JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Manages the Plant Manufacturing Submodule and Finishing Engineering Department.
- Leads process improvement projects required in the manufacturing areas of the plant.
- Implements team building efforts in order to reach established goals and objectives.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
- Eight or more years’ experience in engineering in a manufacturing environment with demonstrated ability to manage others successfully and to be able to motivate them to accomplish objectives and gain desired results.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering disciplines or the equivalent.
- Master’s degree in specialty area highly desired.
REQUIRED SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:
Behavioral
- Refer to "Senior Manager/Executive" competencies.
Technical
- Proven Organizational and Managerial Skills.
- Proven understanding of continuous improvement/quality tools, Robust Engineering/Design of experiments, SPC 6 Sigma and FMEA.
- Proven problem-solving skills.
- Possess excellent data handling skills.
- Excellent understanding of computer applications.
- Excellent understanding of Engineering Techniques and Practices.
- Photovoltaic experience a must.
- Good communications skills.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible to manage the development, continuous improvement and documentation of Robust Solar Module manufacturing processes in a cost efficient manner.
- Responsible to oversee the handling of module data regarding module reliability, conversion efficiency and manufacturing yield.
- Responsible to interface with manufacturing to reduce material and labor content while meeting production schedules.
- Assists in the development of the department and project budgets (including cost projections) and ensures adherence to the same.
- Presents project and program status reports.
- Interfaces with other Company and Customer Representatives as required.
- Ensures adherence to all safety and environmental procedures and housekeeping standards.
- Responsible for effective communication levels and fosters team building.
- Mentors and coaches’ engineers.
- Ensure waste materials are discarded in their designated containers.
- Ensure hazardous waste containers stay closed except when adding or removing waste.
- Ensure satellite accumulation containers stay in their designated locations.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
- This position reports to the Sr. Manager – Manufacturing.
- This position works directly with plant peer Manufacturing Managers.
- This position has 812 direct reports and approximately 50 2nd level reports.
TRAVEL:
- 1% (domestic and/or international)
ESTIMATED SALARY RANGE:
- $131,200-187,000 annual
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.
LOCATION: 28380 Tracy Road, Walbridge, OH, 43465, US
JOB SCHEDULE: Full time
WORK SCHEDULE: M-F 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (United States of America)
INTRODUCTION
First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
BASIC JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Manages the Plant Manufacturing Submodule and Finishing Engineering Department.
- Leads process improvement projects required in the manufacturing areas of the plant.
- Implements team building efforts in order to reach established goals and objectives.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
- Eight or more years’ experience in engineering in a manufacturing environment with demonstrated ability to manage others successfully and to be able to motivate them to accomplish objectives and gain desired results.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering disciplines or the equivalent.
- Master’s degree in specialty area highly desired.
REQUIRED SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:
Behavioral
- Refer to "Senior Manager/Executive" competencies.
Technical
- Proven Organizational and Managerial Skills.
- Proven understanding of continuous improvement/quality tools, Robust Engineering/Design of experiments, SPC 6 Sigma and FMEA.
- Proven problem-solving skills.
- Possess excellent data handling skills.
- Excellent understanding of computer applications.
- Excellent understanding of Engineering Techniques and Practices.
- Photovoltaic experience a must.
- Good communications skills.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible to manage the development, continuous improvement and documentation of Robust Solar Module manufacturing processes in a cost efficient manner.
- Responsible to oversee the handling of module data regarding module reliability, conversion efficiency and manufacturing yield.
- Responsible to interface with manufacturing to reduce material and labor content while meeting production schedules.
- Assists in the development of the department and project budgets (including cost projections) and ensures adherence to the same.
- Presents project and program status reports.
- Interfaces with other Company and Customer Representatives as required.
- Ensures adherence to all safety and environmental procedures and housekeeping standards.
- Responsible for effective communication levels and fosters team building.
- Mentors and coaches’ engineers.
- Ensure waste materials are discarded in their designated containers.
- Ensure hazardous waste containers stay closed except when adding or removing waste.
- Ensure satellite accumulation containers stay in their designated locations.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
- This position reports to the Sr. Manager – Manufacturing.
- This position works directly with plant peer Manufacturing Managers.
- This position has 812 direct reports and approximately 50 2nd level reports.
TRAVEL:
- 1% (domestic and/or international)
ESTIMATED SALARY RANGE:
- $131,200-187,000 annual
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.
LOCATION: 28380 Tracy Road, Walbridge, OH, 43465, US
JOB SCHEDULE: Full time
WORK SCHEDULE: M-F 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (United States of America)
See all Engineering Jobs at First Solar
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Engineering Jobs at First Solar
Align Your Degree to Solar Manufacturing Disciplines
First Solar hires engineers across electrical, chemical, materials science, and mechanical disciplines tied to thin-film CdTe manufacturing. Framing your credentials around semiconductor fabrication, process control, or photovoltaic systems strengthens your H-1B specialty occupation case before you apply.
Target Roles at First Solar's Manufacturing Sites
First Solar operates large-scale U.S. manufacturing facilities in Ohio and Texas. Process and manufacturing engineering roles at these sites are more likely to involve direct sponsorship than corporate or field roles, so filter your search accordingly.
Start OPT Applications Before Your Academic Program Ends
F-1 students targeting First Solar should file the OPT application with USCIS at least 90 days before graduation. First Solar uses E-Verify, so your Employment Authorization Document must be active before your first day.
Prepare a Patent and Publication Record Early
First Solar files patents heavily in thin-film deposition and module efficiency. Engineers who can document prior research output, even from graduate school, are better positioned for EB-2 advanced degree petitions and stand out during technical interviews.
Understand the PERM Timeline for Permanent Residence
If First Solar initiates a Green Card sponsorship through PERM labor certification, the DOL prevailing wage determination and recruitment period alone can take six to twelve months before USCIS sees the I-140. Build that into your long-term planning from the time you receive an offer.
Use Migrate Mate to Find Current Engineering Openings
Engineering roles at First Solar that include visa sponsorship aren't always labeled clearly on general job boards. Use Migrate Mate to filter specifically for First Solar engineering positions where sponsorship is confirmed, so you're not applying blind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does First Solar sponsor H-1B visas for Engineers?
Yes, First Solar sponsors H-1B visas for engineering roles. The company has a consistent track record of sponsoring H-1B petitions across disciplines including process engineering, electrical engineering, and manufacturing engineering. Roles tied to First Solar's thin-film semiconductor manufacturing operations are among the most common H-1B sponsorship positions, particularly at its U.S. production facilities.
How do I apply for Engineering jobs at First Solar?
Applications go through First Solar's careers portal, where engineering roles are listed by function and location. You can also use Migrate Mate to browse verified First Solar engineering openings that include visa sponsorship. Before applying, align your resume to the specific discipline listed, whether that's process, electrical, mechanical, or R&D engineering, as First Solar's hiring teams evaluate technical fit closely.
Which visa types does First Solar commonly use for Engineering roles?
First Solar sponsors H-1B visas for experienced and entry-level engineers, and supports F-1 OPT and CPT for students and recent graduates in engineering programs. TN visas are available for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying engineering occupations. For longer-term employees, First Solar has pursued EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card sponsorship through PERM labor certification for engineering staff.
What qualifications does First Solar expect for sponsored Engineering roles?
Most engineering roles at First Solar require a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant engineering or applied science discipline. For H-1B sponsorship, the role must qualify as a specialty occupation, meaning the degree must be directly tied to the job function. Roles in thin-film process engineering, module manufacturing, and reliability engineering often require backgrounds in materials science, chemical engineering, or electrical engineering specifically.
How do I manage visa timing when transitioning into a First Solar Engineering role?
If you're transferring an existing H-1B to First Solar, your new employer files a portability petition and you can start work once USCIS issues a receipt notice. For F-1 OPT candidates, confirm your EAD is valid before your start date since First Solar participates in E-Verify. Cap-exempt H-1B filings are not available through First Solar, so standard April lottery timelines apply for new H-1B petitions.