Materials R&D Technician, Solar Cell Characterization

• Partner with engineering to bring online and perform solar cell metrology and materials characterization testing of insourced cells

• Execute routine and non-routine electrical, optical, and materials measurements on wafers and solar cells (e.g., I-V, PL/EL imaging, lifetime, optical inspection, microscopy, and related techniques)

• Prepare samples for characterization and failure analysis, including sectioning, polishing, coating, and chemical processing as required

• Drive equipment setup, calibration, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and tool matching so metrology data is accurate and repeatable

• Collect, organize, and report high-quality data to support DOEs, process trials, and root cause analysis of performance and yield issues

• Support engineering on failure analysis of underperforming or failed cells; flag anomalies, preserve evidence, and help close the loop to process owners

• Safely handle chemicals and adhere to all EHS protocols to maintain a safe work environment

• Ensure 5S standards and cleanroom/lab protocols are upheld by maintaining a clean and organized work area

• Follow and help refine SOPs, travelers, and measurement recipes; train production technicians on metrology methods as processes transfer to manufacturing

• High school diploma or equivalency certification

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in metrology, materials characterization, semiconductor; or working in a photovoltaic laboratory or characterization in a manufacturing environment

• Experience handling flammable, toxic, corrosive, and/or hazardous chemicals safely

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in a STEM field

• 5+ years of hands-on work experience in semiconductor, solar, or materials characterization laboratories

• Experience operating and maintaining characterization equipment such as solar simulators / I-V testers, PL/EL imaging, lifetime testers, optical microscopes, SEM, ellipsometers, spectrophotometers, four-point probes, and related tools

• Experience using a laboratory inventory management system (LIMS) and maintaining data uploads

• Experience supporting root cause analysis or failure analysis for yield, reliability, or device-performance issues

• Proven ability to understand and accurately follow complex laboratory and manufacturing procedures and adhere to safety requirements

• Comfortable with data collection, basic statistical analysis, and documenting results in a clear, organized manner

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to work closely with engineering, other technicians, and cross-functional teams

• Ability to identify and maintain priorities for work scope

• Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working independently in a high-paced, challenging work environment with minimal oversight

• Must be open to work all shifts, overtime and/or weekends as needed

• Must be comfortable working in a production and laboratory environment using hazardous chemicals such as acids, alkalis, and solvents

• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE for lab and electro-chemical manufacturing environment

• Must be able to walk and stand for long periods of time

• 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 .