Manufacturing Jobs at First Solar with Visa Sponsorship
Manufacturing jobs at First Solar span process engineering, equipment maintenance, production operations, and quality systems across the company's thin-film solar panel facilities. First Solar has a consistent track record of sponsoring international talent in manufacturing functions, supporting candidates through H-1B visa, OPT, and permanent residence pathways.
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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:
- Develop, scale-up, and transfer of new and emerging thin-film manufacturing processes that may include vacuum deposition, wet coatings and cleans, laser process and module packaging, lamination and electrical testing processes.
- Qualify and sustain new process equipment in a 24x7 manufacturing environment.
- Participate in troubleshooting to meet and improve Safety, Throughput, Yield and Performance benchmarks.
- Use structured problem-solving (e.g., DMAIC, 8D) and statistical methods (DOE, SPC) to identify, test, and implement continuous improvements.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams for problem solving and technology scaling.
- Datamine and Visualize process and equipment data using industry standard tools like SQL, Python, JMP, PowerBI.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
- Associate’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 12 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I or Manufacturing 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 or Manufacturing 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 II or Manufacturing Engineer I at First Solar.
- Ph.D. in engineering discipline or similar technical discipline or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I or Manufacturing Engineer I at First Solar.
- Prior experience in a Semiconductor or PV R&D or Mfg Setting in one or more of the following areas Thin-Film Deposition (Magnetron Sputtering, CVD, evaporation) OR Thermal processing in semiconductor or glass industry (continuous or batch ovens) OR Wet Coatings (Slot-Die, Ink-Jet, Roller or Blade Coating), Automation (Robots and AGV Material Handling) OR Laser Processing (Scribing, Cleaning, Marking) OR Process/ Device Integration (Semiconductor or PV R&D or Mfg Setting) is required.
REQUIRED SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge in one or more areas including thin film deposition (PVD, ALD, CVD), thermal processing, wet coatings (ink-jet, spray, roll-coating), laser processing, and metrology.
- Demonstrated Hands-On experience in Mechanical and Process troubleshooting.
- Demonstrated Hands-On experience executing experiments in laboratory or manufacturing setting.
- Strong communication skills across technical and non-technical teams.
- Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional global teams.
- Strong organizational skills and ownership of assigned responsibilities.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Adhere to all safety procedures, protocols and contribute to EHS/Quality improvements.
- Develop, improve, and document robust solar module manufacturing processes.
- Serve as a subject-matter expert for process or equipment sets assigned.
- Design and execute process experiments; analyze and present results.
- Work with equipment OEMs; evaluate, install, and qualify tools.
- Execute continuous improvement plans using Six Sigma methodologies.
- Mentor junior engineers and technicians and provide technical training to operational teams.
- Develop Process Control Plans, FMEAs, Work Instructions, and Troubleshooting Guides.
- Maintain effective cross-functional communication including leadership.
- Other duties as assigned.
Job description subject to change at any time.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
- Manager or Sr. Manager, Manufacturing Technology Scaling.
- May have direct reports.
TRAVEL:
- 10% - 20%
ESTIMATED SALARY RANGE:
- $80,700-$115,000 Annually.
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 both eyes together, 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, and a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) for those requiring respirator use.
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.
LOCATION:
27876 Oregon Road, Perrysburg, OH, 43551, 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:
- Develop, scale-up, and transfer of new and emerging thin-film manufacturing processes that may include vacuum deposition, wet coatings and cleans, laser process and module packaging, lamination and electrical testing processes.
- Qualify and sustain new process equipment in a 24x7 manufacturing environment.
- Participate in troubleshooting to meet and improve Safety, Throughput, Yield and Performance benchmarks.
- Use structured problem-solving (e.g., DMAIC, 8D) and statistical methods (DOE, SPC) to identify, test, and implement continuous improvements.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams for problem solving and technology scaling.
- Datamine and Visualize process and equipment data using industry standard tools like SQL, Python, JMP, PowerBI.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
- Associate’s Degree in an engineering discipline or similar technical discipline and 12 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I or Manufacturing 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 or Manufacturing 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 II or Manufacturing Engineer I at First Solar.
- Ph.D. in engineering discipline or similar technical discipline or 2 years of experience as a Development Engineer I or Manufacturing Engineer I at First Solar.
- Prior experience in a Semiconductor or PV R&D or Mfg Setting in one or more of the following areas Thin-Film Deposition (Magnetron Sputtering, CVD, evaporation) OR Thermal processing in semiconductor or glass industry (continuous or batch ovens) OR Wet Coatings (Slot-Die, Ink-Jet, Roller or Blade Coating), Automation (Robots and AGV Material Handling) OR Laser Processing (Scribing, Cleaning, Marking) OR Process/ Device Integration (Semiconductor or PV R&D or Mfg Setting) is required.
REQUIRED SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge in one or more areas including thin film deposition (PVD, ALD, CVD), thermal processing, wet coatings (ink-jet, spray, roll-coating), laser processing, and metrology.
- Demonstrated Hands-On experience in Mechanical and Process troubleshooting.
- Demonstrated Hands-On experience executing experiments in laboratory or manufacturing setting.
- Strong communication skills across technical and non-technical teams.
- Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional global teams.
- Strong organizational skills and ownership of assigned responsibilities.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Adhere to all safety procedures, protocols and contribute to EHS/Quality improvements.
- Develop, improve, and document robust solar module manufacturing processes.
- Serve as a subject-matter expert for process or equipment sets assigned.
- Design and execute process experiments; analyze and present results.
- Work with equipment OEMs; evaluate, install, and qualify tools.
- Execute continuous improvement plans using Six Sigma methodologies.
- Mentor junior engineers and technicians and provide technical training to operational teams.
- Develop Process Control Plans, FMEAs, Work Instructions, and Troubleshooting Guides.
- Maintain effective cross-functional communication including leadership.
- Other duties as assigned.
Job description subject to change at any time.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
- Manager or Sr. Manager, Manufacturing Technology Scaling.
- May have direct reports.
TRAVEL:
- 10% - 20%
ESTIMATED SALARY RANGE:
- $80,700-$115,000 Annually.
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 both eyes together, 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, and a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair) for those requiring respirator use.
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.
LOCATION:
27876 Oregon Road, Perrysburg, OH, 43551, US
JOB SCHEDULE:
Full time
WORK SCHEDULE:
M-F 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (United States of America)
See all Manufacturing Jobs at First Solar
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Manufacturing Jobs at First Solar.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Manufacturing Jobs at First Solar
Align Your Credentials with Thin-Film Production
First Solar manufactures cadmium telluride thin-film panels, not silicon-based modules. Tailor your resume to highlight experience with physical vapor deposition, vacuum systems, or semiconductor fabrication processes rather than generic solar or electrical manufacturing.
Target First Solar's U.S. Factory Locations Directly
First Solar's primary U.S. manufacturing campus is in Perrysburg, Ohio, with additional expansion sites in Alabama. Apply to roles tied to those specific locations, since visa sponsorship decisions are made at the facility level, not through a centralized corporate HR pool.
Start Your OPT Job Search at Least Four Months Early
USCIS recommends applying for OPT authorization up to 90 days before your program end date. Manufacturing roles at First Solar often have multi-round interviews and equipment-specific assessments, so build in enough lead time before your work authorization begins.
Understand Where TN Fits for Manufacturing Roles
Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying engineering or scientific roles can enter under TN status without waiting for an H-1B cap date. If your manufacturing function maps to an approved TN category, confirm that alignment with First Solar's HR team before the offer stage.
Clarify H-1B Filing Timing During Offer Negotiations
If you're outside the H-1B cap, ask First Solar's recruiting team whether they file in the April lottery or use cap-exempt pathways. Knowing this before you sign determines whether you're waiting up to a year for October 1 status to begin.
Use Migrate Mate to Find Sponsorship-Confirmed Openings
Not every Manufacturing posting at First Solar will state sponsorship availability upfront. Use Migrate Mate to browse roles at First Solar filtered by visa type, so you're applying to positions where sponsorship has already been confirmed rather than asking cold in the interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does First Solar sponsor H-1B visas for Manufacturing roles?
Yes, First Solar sponsors H-1B visas for Manufacturing positions, particularly in process engineering, equipment engineering, and quality roles that meet USCIS specialty occupation criteria. The role must require a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related technical field. Production operator and general technician roles are less likely to qualify for H-1B sponsorship than engineering-level positions.
How do I apply for Manufacturing jobs at First Solar?
Applications go through First Solar's careers portal on their website. You can also find sponsorship-confirmed Manufacturing openings on Migrate Mate, which filters roles by visa type so you can identify positions where international candidates are actively considered. Before applying, confirm which facility the role is based at, since hiring processes differ between First Solar's Ohio and Alabama manufacturing campuses.
Which visa types does First Solar commonly use for Manufacturing roles?
First Solar sponsors H-1B visas for engineering-level Manufacturing positions and supports F-1 OPT and CPT for students in STEM programs completing internships or early-career roles. TN visa status is available for qualifying Canadian and Mexican nationals in eligible engineering classifications. For longer-term hires, First Solar also sponsors EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card pathways through the PERM labor certification process administered by the DOL.
What qualifications does First Solar look for in Manufacturing candidates?
Engineering roles typically require a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, materials science, electrical engineering, or a closely related discipline, along with familiarity with cleanroom protocols, thin-film deposition, or semiconductor process control. For H-1B eligibility, the degree must be in a field directly related to the specific job duties. Hands-on experience with automated production equipment, statistical process control, or yield improvement is consistently valued across First Solar's manufacturing job postings.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take for a Manufacturing offer at First Solar?
Timeline depends on the visa type. OPT and TN can begin within days of an offer if documentation is in order. H-1B sponsorship for cap-subject candidates requires filing in April for an October 1 start, meaning a gap of up to six months between offer and work authorization. PERM-based Green Card sponsorship through EB-2 or EB-3 typically takes one to three years or longer depending on your priority date and country of birth.