Solar Cell Quality Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SOLAR CELL QUALITY ENGINEER (STARLINK)

Starlink believes in providing fast, reliable internet to those that need it most. We design, build, and launch the world's largest and most advanced satellite constellation that is capable of delivering high-speed internet to even the most remote locations. As we vertically integrate critical hardware, we are building and scaling heterojunction (HJT) solar cell production to power spacecraft and constellation assets with higher efficiency, lower mass, and proven reliability in the space environment.

We are looking for a Solar Cell Quality Engineer who will own the quality of the solar cell fab—and ensure no defective cells escape downstream or to space. You will own inline and offline cell metrology (offline metrology lab, inline IV test, EL/PL, and related inspection/sort) and define the test methods, sampling frequency, and acceptance logic the factory runs to. Your work will form the backbone of the Starlink network (photons of sunlight in is directly proportional to photons of data out to customers!) and help provide internet to tens of millions of customers all around the world. Your work will ensure our solar cells deliver unmatched power density and durability for Starship, Starlink, AI Sat, and deep-space missions. Your work will form the backbone of the Starlink network (photons of sunlight in is directly proportional to photons of data out to customers!) and help provide internet to tens of millions of customers all around the world.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Own quality of the solar cell fab: prevent escapes to module assembly, satellite integration, and flight; drive containment and disposition when product or process is out of family

Own inline and offline cell metrology as a system, including the offline metrology lab, inline I-V testers, EL/PL, and related inspection equipment (ellipsometry, SEM/EDS, Raman, FTIR, microscopy, 4pt probe, hall effect measurement, optical measurements, etc.).

Define test methods, sampling frequency, acceptance criteria, and reaction plans for in-process and end-of-line cell measurements

Own sorter/binning from a process and quality standpoint: bin definitions, grade gates, retest rules, and hold/release logic

Establish and maintain MSA/GR&R, calibration, correlation, and golden-sample programs so inline and lab data can be trusted

Build SPC, spec limits, and out-of-control action plans on the metrics that catch yield, reliability, and flight risk

Own documentation for quality and metrology tools and methods (SOPs, work instructions, PMs, training) and be the SME for those tools through install, commissioning, and ramp

Partner with process and equipment engineering (texturing, PECVD/a-Si stacks, TCO, metallization) so in-process metrology catches drifts before they become lots of scrap—or lots of escapes

Partner with the solar cell reliability engineer so factory screens (I-V, EL/PL, visual, mechanical) protect the space-qualification envelope rather than duplicating or missing it

Lead root cause analysis on quality escapes and metrology failures (electrical, optical, interfacial, mechanical) using I-V, EL/PL, lifetime, sheet resistance, ellipsometry, and other characterization; close the loop with manufacturing

Define and track quality KPIs (e.g., escape rate, first-pass yield, metrology OEE, GR&R, lot-to-lot variation, containment cycle time) and report status to leadership with clear recommendations

Mentor technicians and junior engineers; set fab quality culture for rigor, speed, and honest interpretation of data

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline

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

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree or Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, electrical engineering, or related technical discipline (especially in PV, thin-film devices, metrology, or quality engineering)

2+ years of hands-on experience in solar cell, PV module, semiconductor device, or high-volume manufacturing quality/metrology (internship/co-op experience may count toward this if highly relevant and hands-on)

Experience defining sampling plans, test methods, and spec limits, and defending them with data (capability, escape risk, cost of quality)

Proficiency with data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB, JMP, R, or equivalent) and comfort with statistics (SPC, process capability, GR&R/MSA, DOE basics)

Ability to work full-time on-site in a production and lab environment

Hands-on experience with PV metrology tools (e.g. I-V, Sinton lifetime, EL/PL, 4-point probe, ellipsometry) and end-of-line test/sort

Experience standing up a metrology lab or qualifying new inline test equipment (correlation, calibration, golden wafers/cells)

Experience with SPC, DoE, and lean manufacturing principles

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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

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. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [email protected].