Scientist
US$91,000 – US$130,000 / yr base salary
Posted 19 May 2026
Advertised as “Scientist- Data Research and Development USA”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 5+ yrs
- Management level
- People management
| Base salary | US$91,000 – US$130,000 / yr |
|---|
Field of studyComputer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Information Systems (or related)
Study levelBachelor's or higher
First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.
Basic Job Functions:
This position supports large scale statistical experiment design and analysis to evaluate innovative ideas on thin-film processes. You will join many disparate data sources to compile an integrated story of discovery, within and across experiments, projects, and people. You will apply an advanced knowledge of statistics and data science techniques to recognize patterns and create insights in a state-of-the-art R&D solar fabrication facility. Design, develop, and evaluate experimental models that point in the direction of maximum success. Serve as lead statistician for project teams, providing expertise, oversight, and guidance on analysis efforts. Provide support, training, and direction to all Advanced Research Engineers on DOE, statistical analysis, and modeling. Help your colleagues build a world and workplace that is just sustainable, and equitable.
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Data Science, or similar technical discipline, and 5 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as an Engineer- Analytics R&D at First Solar.
- Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Data Science, or similar technical discipline, and 3 years of relevant technical experience or 2 years of experience as an Engineer- Analytics R&D at First Solar.
- Ph.D. in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Data Science, or similar technical discipline, without prior technical work experience.
- Previous R&D, PV, or Semiconductor experience helpful, but not necessary.
Required Skills/Competencies:
- Deep understanding of Design of Experiments.
- Meta-analysis and systematic research review.
- Data forensics and partitioning on large data sets.
- Data Wrangling: preparation, mapping, and transformation.
- Structured and unstructured data sets.
- Executive level storytelling with data visualization.
- Impart clarity when communicating complex data relationships.
- Linear Algebra: Matrix Algebra and eigenvalues/vectors.
- Passion to learn new areas of study (device physics learning will be intensive).
- High emotional intelligence.
- Bravery to speak a dissenting opinion or present evidence against current belief.
- Skilled in a structured problem-solving method (such as DMAIC, A3, 5 Whys, etc.).