R&D Engineer

Crucial Recruiting • San Francisco, CA

22h • Onsite

About The Position

Were hiring an R&D Engineer for a mission-driven clean energy startup developing next-generation perovskite-based tandem solar technology. Ideal for scientists and engineers who thrive in experimental environments and want to contribute directly to breakthroughs in solar efficiency, stability, and manufacturability. Role Overview You'll play a central role in developing thin-film materials, processes, and metrology for high-performance perovskite tandem solar cells. Your work will focus on identifying limitations within the current device stack, designing strategies to overcome them, and driving systematic experiments to optimize scalable deposition processes. You'll collaborate closely with scientists, engineers, and technicians while taking ownership of critical deposition tools, characterization workflows, and metrology techniques. This role is high-impact and hands-on, bridging fundamental R&D with future gigawatt-scale manufacturing readiness. You'll help develop unit process specifications, qualify materials, and generate insights that directly influence device architecture and long-term reliability.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science, physics, or related field; or masters degree with 2+ years of relevant R&D experience
• 2+ years of experience in thin-film deposition and characterization
• Strong proficiency with metrology techniques such as XRD, XRF, PL, JV, and related methods
• Ability to independently drive open-ended experimental programs
• Motivation to contribute to climate and clean energy impact
• Expert knowledge of metal halide perovskite materials and characterization

Nice To Haves

• 2+ years of experience with vapor deposition of functional materials
• 2+ years of experience in thin-film production, PV, semiconductor, or similar environments
• Strong understanding of solar cell physics and device chemistry
• Experience developing or optimizing scalable, reproducible unit processes

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize thin-film deposition processes for key layers in the tandem solar stack
• Identify shortcomings in existing materials or device layers and design strategies to improve performance
• Perform systematic experiments to evaluate materials, deposition parameters, and process scalability
• Use advanced metrology techniques (XRD, XRF, PL, JV, etc.) to characterize thin films
• Maintain, calibrate, and train team members on deposition and characterization tools
• Support development of process specifications for high-reproducibility, manufacturing-ready materials
• Collaborate with chemical suppliers to evaluate and qualify new materials
• Contribute to designing or modifying materials to enhance stability, efficiency, or manufacturability
• Work cross-functionally across R&D, process engineering, and manufacturing teams

Benefits

• Work with purpose: contribute to next-generation solar technology with global impact
• Be part of an innovative team pushing the boundaries of clean-energy materials
• Excellent benefits, including healthcare coverage, 401(k) match, commuter benefits, and equity
• Strong professional development support, including conferences and training opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree