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Blue Origin · 2 weeks ago

Photovoltaic Material and Process Development Engineer II

Greater Seattle Area

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

$96K/yr - $135K/yr

2+ years exp

Blue Origin is a company dedicated to developing reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems. The Photovoltaic Material and Process Development Engineer II will support the development of advanced photovoltaic materials and processes for next-generation solar cells, contributing to the integration of these cells into high-performance solar power modules for space applications.

AerospaceManufacturingNational SecurityRenewable Energy

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Support research, development, and optimization of advanced PV materials—including silicon and next-generation technologies—for space-grade solar cells

Assist in the design, synthesis, and characterization of absorber materials, transport layers, and electrical contacts for high-efficiency, high-reliability photovoltaic devices in extreme space environments

Support the development and optimization of both conventional and high-rate thin-film deposition processes, including inkjet printing, slot-die coating, and roll-to-roll methods, with emphasis on rapid prototyping and manufacturability

Evaluate and implement advanced annealing techniques (e.g., intense pulsed light/photonic curing, laser annealing) to enhance thin-film and silicon material quality and device performance

Fabricate and characterize laboratory-scale solar cells, including both silicon and emerging PV devices; analyze material, electrical, and optical properties using advanced instrumentation

Support the integration of photovoltaic cells into solar power modules (SPMs), ensuring mechanical, electrical, and environmental compatibility for aerospace power systems

Work closely with module design, systems engineering, and manufacturing teams to support cell-to-module integration, including encapsulation, electrical interconnects, and qualification testing

Document experimental and process data thoroughly and support technology transfer activities to manufacturing, following aerospace quality and traceability requirements

Contribute to a culture of technical innovation, process safety, and multidisciplinary collaboration within a high-performance engineering environment

Qualification

Photovoltaic materials R&DThin-film deposition techniquesMaterials characterization techniquesAdvanced annealing techniquesCell-to-module integrationAnalytical skillsProblem-solving abilitiesCommunication skillsCross-functional teamwork

Required

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field

2+ years of experience in photovoltaic materials/process R&D OR Ph.D. in a relevant field

Hands-on experience with PV materials—including deposition, processing, and characterization of solar cells

Experience with thin-film deposition techniques (such as inkjet printing, slot-die coating, sputtering, or evaporation) for semiconductor materials

Familiarity with annealing techniques for thin-film and/or silicon PV processing

Basic understanding of photovoltaic cell integration into modules, including electrical and mechanical considerations

Skills in materials and device characterization techniques (SEM, XRD, UV-Vis, electrical measurements)

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Good communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams

Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum