Data Science Intern – Device Characterization (Spring 2027)
Perrysburg, OH
Internship
Onsite
$22/hr - $25/hr
Intern
First Solar is a sustainable energy company seeking a Data Science Intern to support device characterization for perovskite panels. The intern will build Python data pipelines to extract photovoltaic metrics, classify device anomalies, analyze electroluminescence images, correlate image and IV data, and present project outcomes to leadership.
Responsibilities
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
Preferred
Benefits
Real world experience
Opportunity to find new solutions and develop new skills
Flexibility to enroll in classes while working as an intern, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the essential functions of the position
Access to historical IV data, an image/performance library, and a workstation, internal server, or cloud compute access
First Solar manufactures thin film photovoltaic modules and provides PV power plants and supporting services.
