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SpaceX · 18 hours ago

Metallization Process Engineer - Solar Cells (Starlink)

Bastrop, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Entry Level

1+ years exp

SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars, and they are seeking a Metallization Process Engineer for their Starlink project. The role involves spearheading production processes for solar cells, including setting up a production plant and optimizing manufacturing processes to achieve high efficiency and reliability.

Advanced MaterialsAerospaceManufacturingNational SecuritySpace Travel

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining new and/or improved manufacturing processes, equipment, technologies, and facilities

Analyze production processes and machinery from a first principles, physics-based approach

Develop experiments to diagnose and correct manufacturing problems, utilizing robust DOE and statistical methodologies

Optimize process conditions and materials to improve the optical and electrical quality of solar cells

Perform defect characterization and analysis to determine root cause and develop action plans to improve yields

Develop project plans, budgets, and cost/benefit analysis for implementation of new processes or machines

Own and perform machine activation and testing with a small team of engineers and technicians

Prepare detailed content for technical design reviews and demonstrate extreme ownership of the production outcome of the Starlink solar factory across yield, uptime, and cost

Qualification

Chemical engineeringSolar cell manufacturingProcess developmentStatistical methodologiesMicro-structure analysisOral communicationWritten communicationOrganizational skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

1+ years of experience in chemical engineering design, analysis, and/or system implementation (internship and extracurricular experience is applicable)

Ability to travel frequently for work, potentially for extended periods of time during machine buyoffs and startup

Ability to lift 25 lbs. unassisted

Lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State

Preferred

Master's degree or PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, environmental engineering, or related technical discipline

Hands-on experience working with complex fluid or mechanical based production systems in a professional setting

Experience transitioning products from design to manufacturing and scaling to high volume as part of a cross-functional team

Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

Experience with solar cell manufacturing equipment, such as wet chemical processing equipment, PE-CVD equipment, PVD machines, metallization and final test equipment, and wafer inspection equipment. Experience in evaporation tools and ALD tools are a plus

Experience or expertise with perovskite solar cells or perovskite tandem solar cells

Experience with micro-structure analysis tools (SEM, TEM, EDX, SIMS, etc.) and optical/electrical characterization tools (UV-VIS, I-V, Resistance, etc.)