SpaceX
Solar Cell Reliability Engineer (Starlink)
About this role
SpaceX seeks a Solar Cell Reliability Engineer to own the end-to-end reliability program for heterojunction (HJT) solar cells powering Starlink satellites and deep-space missions. You will manage the reliability lab, design qualification test matrices, correlate lab data to on-orbit performance, and drive continuous manufacturing improvements to ensure superior power density and durability in the space environment.
What you'll do
- Operate and maintain the solar cell reliability lab, including equipment strategy, calibration, safety protocols, and data integrity management
- Define and execute space-relevant reliability test matrices covering thermal cycling, thermal vacuum, humidity, UV exposure, radiation, and accelerated life testing
- Build failure analysis, physics-of-failure models, and life prediction correlations linking lab results to on-orbit performance
- Develop and present reliability narratives for flight reviews, qualification logic, and acceptance criteria with documented margins
- Partner with HJT process and equipment engineering teams to identify failure modes and implement manufacturing improvements
- Coordinate with module integration, mission assurance, and flight operations teams on reliability data and on-orbit monitoring
What they're looking for
- Solar cell and photovoltaic reliability testing expertise
- Accelerated life testing and failure mode analysis (FMEA/FMECA)
- Thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, and environmental stress screening
- Physics of failure and statistical life prediction modeling
- Lab equipment operation, calibration, and maintenance
- Technical communication and data visualization for leadership reviews
- Cross-functional collaboration and problem-solving
- Space qualification standards and aerospace reliability practices
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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 photovoltaic or solar cell reliability testing—what specific stressors have you tested and what were the key failure modes you observed?
- Walk us through how you would design a space qualification test matrix for a new solar cell technology from scratch.