Materials Engineer, Solar Cell Characterization

SpaceX • Bastrop, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

SpaceX is insourcing solar cell manufacturing end-to-end for the Starlink constellation, aiming to improve performance, cost, and scale. As a Materials Engineer for solar cell characterization, you will be responsible for offline metrology and materials characterization of these solar cells. Your role will involve developing measurement capabilities, analysis methods, and a deep understanding of materials to enhance cell performance and yield. You will analyze electrical, optical, and materials data to identify root causes and collaborate with process, production, and quality teams to implement lasting solutions. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about solving complex problems, using first-principles thinking for engineering decisions, and acting with urgency.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in materials science, materials engineering, chemical engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 1+ years of professional experience in materials characterization, failure analysis, semiconductor/PV metrology, or a related laboratory or manufacturing role (internship and co-op experience applicable)

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree or PhD in materials science, materials engineering, chemical engineering, or a related technical discipline
• Hands-on experience characterizing photovoltaic devices, silicon wafers, thin films, or semiconductor devices
• Proficiency with solar cell and wafer metrology such as I-V, Suns-Voc, EQE/IQE, photoluminescence, electroluminescence, minority-carrier lifetime (QSSPC/PL), ellipsometry, four-point probe, and optical inspection
• Experience with materials analysis techniques including SEM-EDS, FIB cross-sectioning, AFM, XRD, FTIR, XPS, SIMS, ICP-MS, and optical microscopy
• Experience designing and implementing a laboratory inventory management system (including architecture, workflows, and user access), building automated pipelines to transfer metrology data from tools into the LIMS, and integrating SPC (control charts, dashboards, and alerts) on the collected data
• Demonstrated ability to lead structured root cause analysis (e.g., DOE, 5-why, fishbone, fault-tree) and convert findings into process or material improvements
• Experience qualifying metrology tools, writing measurement SOPs, and establishing statistical process controls or gauge capabilities
• Experience working in a high-volume manufacturing or fab environment and partnering with process, quality, and production teams
• Strong first-principles problem solving and a demonstrated ability to dig deep on ambiguous materials and device-performance challenges
• Comfortable with data analysis (Python, JMP, MATLAB, or equivalent) to correlate metrology, process, and electrical results
• Passion for building, learning quickly, and owning outcomes end-to-end; thrives in a fast-paced environment with tight timelines
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; able to convey technical concepts across all levels of the organization
• Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and a bias toward action

Responsibilities

• Own characterization and metrology strategy for insourced solar cells across cell interfaces—from method development and tool qualification through production-ready measurement recipes
• Build and maintain a suite of offline electrical, optical, and materials characterization techniques to quantify cell performance, reliability, and yield-limiting defects (e.g., I-V, quantum efficiency, PL/EL imaging, lifetime, SEM-EDS, optical microscopy, spectroscopy, and related methods)
• Lead root cause analysis for performance and yield excursions: design experiments, execute failure analysis, correlate process history with metrology signatures, and drive corrective actions to first principles
• Define measurement requirements, sampling plans, gauge R&R, calibration, and acceptance criteria in partnership with process, quality, and production engineering
• Stand up and develop processes for offline metrology equipment; own data integrity, tool matching, and measurement uncertainty so results can be trusted for process decisions
• Translate characterization results into clear material and process recommendations that improve efficiency, reliability, cost, and manufacturability
• Partner with process engineering on DOEs and golden-line development; provide rapid feedback loops during recipe, materials, and equipment changes
• Document methods, specifications, FA reports, and best practices; communicate status, risks, and recommendations clearly to cross-functional partners and leadership
• Champion a culture of safety and quality in all sample preparation, chemical handling, lab operations, and production support activities

Benefits

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods in the lab and on the manufacturing floor
• Willingness to wear appropriate PPE for lab and manufacturing environments

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level