Materials R&D Technician, Solar Cell Characterization
Core
Execute metrology and materials characterization testing for insourced solar cells to support recipe development, process control, and high-volume manufacturing for Starlink satellites and Starship missions.
Role type
Hands-on IC materials R&D technician (solar cell characterization)
Builds
High-efficiency, high-reliability solar cells for Starlink constellation and Starship missions
Domain
Aerospace / Semiconductor / Photovoltaics
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work
Required skills
solar cell metrology, electrical/optical/materials measurements, sample preparation (sectioning, polishing, coating, chemical processing), equipment calibration and maintenance, root cause analysis, hazardous chemical handling, cleanroom protocols, SOP adherence, data collection and reporting
Preferred skills
semiconductor or photovoltaic lab experience, operation of characterization equipment (solar simulators, I-V testers, PL/EL imaging, lifetime testers, optical microscopes, SEM, ellipsometers, spectrophotometers, four-point probes), LIMS usage, failure analysis support, basic statistical analysis
Technologies
solar simulators, I-V testers, PL/EL imaging systems, lifetime testers, optical microscopes, SEM, ellipsometers, spectrophotometers, four-point probes, LIMS
Responsibilities
Execute routine and non-routine electrical, optical, and materials measurements on wafers and solar cells; prepare samples for characterization and failure analysis; drive equipment setup, calibration, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance; collect, organize, and report high-quality data to support DOEs and root cause analysis; support engineering on failure analysis of underperforming or failed cells; adhere to EHS protocols and maintain cleanroom/lab standards; train production technicians on metrology methods
Seniority
Mid-level, hands-on IC