Starpath Robotics
Chemical / Materials Engineer – Space Solar
About this role
Starpath is hiring a Chemical/Materials Engineer to develop and optimize solar cell chemistries, polymer encapsulation systems, and barrier materials for space applications. You'll conduct experiments, characterize materials using advanced techniques, and translate bench-scale chemistry into reproducible manufacturing processes that power satellites and Starpath's lunar and Martian equipment.
What you'll do
- Develop and optimize chemistries and processes for solar cell materials, polymer encapsulation, and barrier systems
- Conduct experiments and materials characterization using XRD, XPS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM, photoluminescence, IV testing, and stability analysis
- Build lab workflows, sample tracking systems, and characterization pipelines to enable rapid iteration
- Partner with senior chemists on root-cause analysis connecting chemistry to device performance
- Support scale-up of laboratory chemistry into stable, reproducible manufacturing processes
- Drive environmental stability strategies for moisture, oxygen, thermal, UV, and radiation tolerance
What they're looking for
- Materials characterization techniques (XRD, XPS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM, photoluminescence)
- Thin-film photovoltaic or optoelectronic materials chemistry
- Polymer chemistry and encapsulation systems
- Solution-processed deposition methods (spin coating, blade coating, slot-die coating)
- Data analysis and experimental design
- Cleanroom and glovebox operations
- Python or MATLAB for data analysis
- Chemical safety and lab inventory management
Benefits
- Competitive salary with equity package scaled to experience
- Paid time off
- Health, dental, and vision coverage
- Occasional travel opportunities
- Work on space technology with mission-driven company
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Starpath Robotics
Starpath Robotics develops solar power and hardware technologies for space missions to the Moon and Mars. The company is hiring Test Engineers, Mechanical Engineers (rotary actuators and structures), Manufacturing Engineers, and Electrical Engineers to design, validate, and manufacture space-qualified solar systems and electronic devices for extraterrestrial habitats.
View all jobs at Starpath RoboticsLikely interview questions
- Describe your hands-on experience with thin-film photovoltaic or optoelectronic materials — what specific chemistries or deposition methods have you worked with?
- Walk us through a time you translated bench-scale chemistry into a larger-scale or manufacturing process. What were the key challenges?