SpaceX
Materials Engineer, Solar Cell Characterization
About this role
SpaceX seeks a Materials Engineer to own offline metrology and characterization of in-house manufactured solar cells for the Starlink constellation. You will develop measurement strategies, build analysis capabilities, and drive root-cause investigations to improve cell performance and yield across crystal growth through fabrication.
What you'll do
- Develop and execute characterization strategy for solar cells using electrical, optical, and materials analysis techniques (I-V, PL/EL, SEM-EDS, spectroscopy, etc.)
- Lead root cause analysis for performance and yield excursions through experimental design, failure analysis, and process correlation
- Qualify metrology equipment, establish measurement recipes, sampling plans, and statistical process controls with defined acceptance criteria
- Translate characterization data into material and process recommendations to improve efficiency, reliability, and manufacturability
- Partner with process engineering on design of experiments and golden-line development with rapid feedback during recipe changes
- Document methods, specifications, failure analysis reports, and communicate findings to cross-functional teams and leadership
What they're looking for
- Solar cell and photovoltaic device characterization (I-V, EQE/IQE, photoluminescence, lifetime measurements)
- Materials analysis techniques (SEM-EDS, FIB, AFM, XRD, FTIR, XPS, optical microscopy)
- Metrology tool qualification, SOP development, and statistical process control
- Structured root cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies (DOE, 5-why, fault-tree analysis)
- Data analysis and programming (Python, MATLAB, or JMP)
- Laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and data automation
- Semiconductor and PV manufacturing or fab environment experience
- Chemical handling and lab safety protocols
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SpaceX
SpaceX develops advanced spacecraft and satellite systems, including the Starshield government satellite constellation and Starfall re-entry cargo capsule for global delivery. The company is hiring engineers in avionics integration, software test automation, mechanical design, and hardware reliability to validate flight-critical systems and ensure mission success.
- Website
- spacex.com
Likely interview questions
- Describe your experience with solar cell or photovoltaic device characterization—which metrology techniques have you used most, and what challenges did you encounter?
- Walk us through a root cause analysis you led: how did you correlate process history with metrology signatures, and what corrective action did you implement?