RESPONSIBILITIES
Partner with solar cell process engineering on PECVD thin films (e.g., passivation, anti-reflection, and related dielectric or semiconductor layers), developing materials requirements, film-property targets, and the physical understanding of how deposited films perform in the cell
Build deep technical understanding of plasma-deposited film materials: composition, hydrogen content, density, stress, optical constants, passivation quality, interfaces, and reliability; translate that understanding into clear recommendations that improve cell performance and manufacturability
Operate as the technical expert for thin-film materials: independently apply advanced materials concepts to highly complex issues, develop new characterization or evaluation methods where they do not already exist, and make high-impact materials decisions with limited tactical guidance
Set your own priorities from program needs; execute multiple complex, multi-month materials projects in parallel (new film stacks, materials qualification, yield or reliability recovery, supplier materials) and come to leadership with solved problems and already-implemented solutions
Partner with process engineering on DOEs and process trials: define materials-relevant responses, interpret how plasma, chemistry, and hardware changes affect film properties and cell results, and recommend durable improvements
Define film material requirements, specifications, and acceptance criteria; qualify precursors, consumables, and film stacks so materials used in production are understood, controlled, and scalable
Lead structured root cause analysis for materials-limited performance, yield, and reliability issues (film defects, interface failure, contamination, stoichiometry, stress, delamination); correlate process history with metrology (ellipsometry, lifetime, FTIR, SEM, I-V, and related methods) and drive corrective actions to first principles
Influence cross-functional decisions with process, equipment, quality, production, and characterization teams; challenge assumptions that do not serve cell performance or manufacturability; create materials methods, specifications, and tools that raise the bar for others
Identify and drive path-finding for advanced thin-film materials, stacks, or precursor chemistries that deliver measurable gains in efficiency, reliability, or cost
Coordinate with suppliers on precursors, consumables, and film materials to reduce supply-chain risk and ensure long-term scalability
Mentor engineers, new hires, and interns on thin-film materials, PECVD-relevant materials science, and first-principles problem solving; generate and share high-quality engineering content, specifications, and best practices
Champion a culture of safety and quality in all vacuum, plasma, pyrophoric/toxic gas, chemical handling, lab, and production support activities
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a STEM discipline
5+ years of professional experience with thin films, PECVD or other vacuum-deposited coatings, or electronic materials in a manufacturing or R&D environment
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Master’s degree or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a STEM discipline
Hands-on experience with PECVD-deposited films in semiconductor or solar cell manufacturing
Experience working closely with process engineering on PECVD or other vacuum deposition processes in a manufacturing or development environment
Proficiency with thin-film and solar-cell metrology such as spectroscopic ellipsometry, reflectance, FTIR, minority-carrier lifetime (QSSPC/PL), SEM-EDS, XPS, four-point probe, film stress, and optical inspection
Deep understanding of film growth mechanisms, precursor chemistry (e.g., SiH4, NH3, N2O, TMB, PH3), plasma/vacuum processing, and how film properties couple to solar-cell passivation and optics
Demonstrated ability to lead structured root cause analysis (e.g., DOE, 5-why, fishbone, fault-tree) and convert findings into durable material or process recommendations
Experience writing material specifications, qualifying precursors or film stacks, and establishing materials-related process-control or acceptance criteria
Experience working in a high-volume manufacturing or fab environment and partnering with process, equipment, quality, and production teams
Track record of owning complex, ambiguous materials problems end-to-end, setting priorities with limited supervision, and delivering results on tight timelines
Experience mentoring engineers, technicians, interns, or new hires to a high-performing level
Comfortable with data analysis (Python, JMP, MATLAB, or equivalent) to correlate process, metrology, and electrical results
Strong first-principles problem solving and a demonstrated ability to dig deep on ambiguous materials and device-performance challenges
Passion for building, learning quickly, and owning outcomes end-to-end; thrives in a fast-paced, scrappy environment with tight timelines
Effective written and interpersonal communication skills; able to convey complex technical ideas, influence decisions, and drive alignment across teams
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
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.
