RESPONSIBILITIES
Own characterization and metrology strategy for insourced solar cells across cell interfaces—from method development and tool qualification through production-ready measurement recipes
Build and maintain a suite of offline electrical, optical, and materials characterization techniques to quantify cell performance, reliability, and yield-limiting defects (e.g., I-V, quantum efficiency, PL/EL imaging, lifetime, SEM-EDS, optical microscopy, spectroscopy, and related methods)
Lead root cause analysis for performance and yield excursions: design experiments, execute failure analysis, correlate process history with metrology signatures, and drive corrective actions to first principles
Define measurement requirements, sampling plans, gauge R&R, calibration, and acceptance criteria in partnership with process, quality, and production engineering
Stand up and develop processes for offline metrology equipment; own data integrity, tool matching, and measurement uncertainty so results can be trusted for process decisions
Translate characterization results into clear material and process recommendations that improve efficiency, reliability, cost, and manufacturability
Partner with process engineering on DOEs and golden-line development; provide rapid feedback loops during recipe, materials, and equipment changes
Document methods, specifications, FA reports, and best practices; communicate status, risks, and recommendations clearly to cross-functional partners and leadership
Champion a culture of safety and quality in all sample preparation, chemical handling, lab operations, and production support activities
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in materials science, materials engineering, chemical engineering, or a related technical discipline
1+ years of professional experience in materials characterization, failure analysis, semiconductor/PV metrology, or a related laboratory or manufacturing role (internship and co-op experience applicable)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Master's degree or PhD in materials science, materials engineering, chemical engineering, or a related technical discipline
Hands-on experience characterizing photovoltaic devices, silicon wafers, thin films, or semiconductor devices
Proficiency with solar cell and wafer metrology such as I-V, Suns-Voc, EQE/IQE, photoluminescence, electroluminescence, minority-carrier lifetime (QSSPC/PL), ellipsometry, four-point probe, and optical inspection
Experience with materials analysis techniques including SEM-EDS, FIB cross-sectioning, AFM, XRD, FTIR, XPS, SIMS, ICP-MS, and optical microscopy
Experience designing and implementing a laboratory inventory management system (including architecture, workflows, and user access), building automated pipelines to transfer metrology data from tools into the LIMS, and integrating SPC (control charts, dashboards, and alerts) on the collected data
Demonstrated ability to lead structured root cause analysis (e.g., DOE, 5-why, fishbone, fault-tree) and convert findings into process or material improvements
Experience qualifying metrology tools, writing measurement SOPs, and establishing statistical process controls or gauge capabilities
Experience working in a high-volume manufacturing or fab environment and partnering with process, quality, and production teams
Strong first-principles problem solving and a demonstrated ability to dig deep on ambiguous materials and device-performance challenges
Comfortable with data analysis (Python, JMP, MATLAB, or equivalent) to correlate metrology, process, and electrical results
Passion for building, learning quickly, and owning outcomes end-to-end; thrives in a fast-paced environment with tight timelines
Effective written and verbal communication skills; able to convey technical concepts across all levels of the organization
Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and a bias toward action
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Willingness to travel to other SpaceX sites and/or vendors as needed (up to 25%)
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
Ability to stand/walk for extended periods in the lab and on the manufacturing floor
Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support manufacturing, tool bring-up, and critical milestones
Must be able to wear appropriate PPE for lab and manufacturing environments
ITAR REQUIREMENTS
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
