PV Laboratory Technician
About The Position
This position is an in person role (5x per week onsite) that will be based at our San Leandro PV module lab then transition around September 2026 to our headquarters in Fremont, California. Nextpower seeks a detailed-oriented and energetic PV Lab Technician to join our Advanced Module Frames team to support the testing, characterization, and advancement of solar technologies. The PV Lab Technician will be responsible for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory analytical instrumentation and solar testing equipment. You will perform routine and non-routine testing on PV modules, cells, and materials, ensuring all data is accurate and documented according to company SOPs and ISO standards. Here is a glimpse of what you’ll do: Testing & Analysis: Perform electrical and optical testing on solar cells and modules (e.g., I-V curves, Visual Inspection, Electroluminescence). Equipment Maintenance: Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instrumentation, including EL imager, pneumatic module tester, etc. Data Documentation: Collect, analyze, and document test results, maintaining accurate, real-time logs and equipment records. Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions and deviations in testing procedures. Lab Safety & Operations: Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment, adhering to OSHA and company safety guidelines. Inventory: Manage inventory of lab supplies, including solar components and calibration standards.
Requirements
- Associates degree in Science or Engineering (or relevant technical field) or 2+ years of equivalent work experience in a laboratory setting.
- Experience with electrical and pneumatic testing equipment and data acquisition systems.
- Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, Word) for data documentation.
- Strong ability to follow complex procedures and identify subtle deviations.
- Proven record of adhering to safety protocols.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in a PV manufacturing or R&D environment.
- Familiarity with IEC/UL standards for solar modules.
- Experience with LabVIEW or data acquisition software.
- Hands-on background in prototyping, pilot runs, and production ramp-up.
- Confluence, Arena, Miro (Real Time board), Jira
Responsibilities
- Perform electrical and optical testing on solar cells and modules (e.g., I-V curves, Visual Inspection, Electroluminescence)
- Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instrumentation, including EL imager, pneumatic module tester, etc.
- Collect, analyze, and document test results, maintaining accurate, real-time logs and equipment records.
- Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions and deviations in testing procedures.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment, adhering to OSHA and company safety guidelines.
- Manage inventory of lab supplies, including solar components and calibration standards.
Benefits
- health care coverage
- dental and vision
- 401(K) participation including company matching
- company paid holidays with unlimited paid time off
- generous discretionary company bonuses
- life and disability protection
- Employees in certain positions may be eligible for stock compensation
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
