Photovoltaics Test Engineer

Aquila Space Technologies; Council of the City of Sydney; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering technology company is seeking a Photovoltaics Test Engineer in Sydney to design and implement testing systems for cutting-edge photovoltaic technologies. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science and experience in building PV systems. This role involves collaborating with other engineers to validate innovations in a dynamic startup environment.

Qualifications

• Strong background with emerging PV materials (CIGS, CdTe, III-V, organic PV).
• Proven experience in designing testing systems for PV technologies.
• Strong background in electrical systems (DC, AC, medium / high voltage).

Responsibilities

• Lead design and validation of custom test rigs for PV technology testing.
• Develop processes for testing automation and control.
• Conduct failure analysis for multi-junction PV cells.

Skills

Testing systems design

Data analysis

Programming in Python

Collaboration

Knowledge of PV materials

Education

Bachelor Degree in Engineering, Science or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Aquila is building the world’s first optical energy network to power drones and autonomous systems without limits. To make this possible, we’re pushing the boundaries of photovoltaic (PV) technology.

We’re looking for a Photovoltaics Test Engineer to design and run advanced test systems that evaluate next-generation PV and optoelectronic devices. This hands-on role spans from building custom test rigs to analysing performance data that directly shapes the design of our wireless power transmission systems. You’ll be at the centre of validating breakthrough technologies, working across disciplines to turn cutting-edge materials into robust, real-world solutions.

We value engineers who are curious, collaborative, and practical. If you enjoy solving tough technical challenges, distilling complexity into clarity, and driving innovations in photovoltaics, you’ll thrive here.

Role Responsibilities/Expectations

We are seeking a highly motivated PV/Optoelectronic Test Engineer with experience in building and testing PV systems in the field. The successful candidate will:

• Lead the design, setup, execution, and validation of custom test rigs and systems for PV technology testing.
• Develop and implement robust processes for testing automation and control, data acquisition, image processing to evaluate PV performance.
• Extract key performance metrics from test data and use this analysis to drive system improvements and optimizations.
• Conduct failure analysis for III-V multi-junction PV cells, especially under power beaming conditions, to identify root causes and drive solutions.
• Work alongside engineers from other disciplines to integrate testing systems into broader PV research and development projects.
• Apply a solid understanding of laser-material interactions in the context of photovoltaic system development and material processing.
• Stay up-to-date with industry advancements and emerging technologies in photovoltaics and material science, applying best practices to continuously improve material performance and development processes.
• Maintain clear documentation of test results, protocols, and findings, ensuring team-wide understanding and knowledge sharing.
• Roll up your sleeves and help with whatever is required in a dynamic startup environment.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in Engineering, Science or related field.
• Strong background with emerging PV materials (CIGS, CdTe, III-V, organic PV) and hybrid silicon/multijunction device development.
• Proven experience in the design, setup, and execution of testing systems for PV technologies such as thermal cycling, laser-induced damage testing, electroluminescence (EL) imaging, and environmental chamber testing.
• Strong programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar languages for data acquisition, control systems, and image processing.
• Strong background in electrical systems (DC, AC, medium / high voltage).
• Experience in development of concentrating photovoltaics systems and management of high optical, electrical and thermal densities.
• Knowledge of accelerated degradation testing under environmental conditions (e.g., humidity, soiling) and operational conditions (e.g., temperature, intensity, load).
• Fundamental knowledge of laser-material interactions.

We know great candidates may not meet every listed qualification. If you’re excited by our mission and have relevant skills or experience, we encourage you to apply.

Please note: Employment at Aquila is subject to the successful completion of pre-employment screening, including reference checks and a national police check.