Materials R&D Specialist
Core
Develop and operate processes for insourced solar cell manufacturing (silicon ingot growth through cell metrology) to power Starlink satellites and Starship missions.
Role type
Senior IC materials R&D specialist (semiconductor/photovoltaic manufacturing)
Builds
High-efficiency, high-reliability solar cells for Starlink and Starship
Domain
Aerospace / Semiconductor manufacturing / Photovoltaics
Required skills
silicon crystal growth, wafer fabrication, cell metrology, materials characterization, process development, equipment commissioning and maintenance, SOP creation, hazardous chemical handling, data analysis
Preferred skills
semiconductor or photovoltaic manufacturing experience, microscopy/spectroscopy/electrical metrology, DOE execution, statistical analysis, training production technicians
Technologies
crystal pullers, wafer process tools, characterization instruments, FTIR, microscopy, wet benches
Responsibilities
Drive process development and equipment qualification from ingot growth to cell metrology; independently execute processing and experimental methods; commission, calibrate, and troubleshoot process and metrology equipment; perform hands-on materials work (seed preparation, wafer cropping/slicing/cleaning); execute DOEs for recipe development and contamination control; characterize silicon ingots, wafers, and cells; document procedures and train production technicians; maintain cleanroom and EHS compliance
Seniority
Mid-level to Senior, hands-on IC