Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) Researcher — Senior Engineer

Blue Origin LLC; Washington; On-site; USD 145,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) match

Stock options

Paid time off

Job summary

Blue Origin seeks an experienced ALD/CVD process engineer to lead development of ultra-thin barrier and transport layers for perovskite device stacks. You will select precursor chemistries, optimize process parameters, and drive conformality and throughput across multiple layers.

You will characterize films, integrate into full devices, and mentor junior researchers while collaborating with packaging engineers on encapsulation strategies. WA-based role with competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related field.
• 8+ years of ALD or CVD process development for semiconductor, photovoltaic, or barrier applications.
• Expert knowledge of ALD reaction mechanisms, surface chemistry, and growth kinetics for metal oxides.
• Demonstrated experience with thermal, plasma-enhanced ALD, or CVD processes.
• Hands‑on experience with ALD or CVD reactor operation, maintenance, and precursor delivery systems.
• Proficiency with thin film characterization (ellipsometry, XRD, XRR, SEM, TEM, XPS, WVTR testing).
• Track record of integrating ALD films into multi‑layer device structures.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize ALD processes for barrier layers, charge transport layers, and passivation interlayers.
• Select and qualify ALD precursor chemistries compatible with perovskite device stacks.
• Optimize ALD process parameters (pulse times, purge sequences, substrate temperature, plasma vs. thermal) for film quality, conformality, and throughput.
• Characterize thin film properties: thickness, density, composition, barrier performance (WVTR), electrical properties, and optical properties.
• Design and execute experiments to understand nucleation on perovskite and organic surfaces.
• Integrate layers into full device stacks without damaging temperature-sensitive perovskite layers.
• Mentor and direct the work of associate researchers.
• Collaborate with the packaging engineer on thin-film encapsulation strategies.
• Develop process documentation, equipment maintenance schedules, and precursor management protocols.

Skills

8+ years experience

ALD/CVD process development

Thin film characterization

Reactor operation & maintenance

Surface chemistry & growth kinetics

Education

B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering or related

Tools

Ellipsometry

XRD

XRR

SEM

TEM

XPS

WVTR testing

Job description

Application close date: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed. At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! This role is part of Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin’s mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design. Mission At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

About the Role

You will lead the development of ALD processes for multiple critical layers in the perovskite solar cell stack: ultra-thin barrier layers for moisture and oxygen protection, conformal charge transport layers, and interface passivation coatings. You will own precursor chemistry selection, process recipe development, conformality optimization, and integration with adjacent process steps.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize ALD processes for barrier layers, charge transport layers, and passivation interlayers
• Select and qualify ALD precursor chemistries compatible with perovskite device stacks
• Optimize ALD process parameters (pulse times, purge sequences, substrate temperature, plasma vs. thermal) for film quality, conformality, and throughput
• Characterize thin film properties: thickness, density, composition, barrier performance (WVTR), electrical properties, and optical properties
• Design and execute experiments to understand nucleation on perovskite and organic surfaces
• Integrate layers into full device stacks without damaging temperature-sensitive perovskite layers
• Mentor and direct the work of associate researchers
• Collaborate with the packaging engineer on thin-film encapsulation strategies
• Develop process documentation, equipment maintenance schedules, and precursor management protocols

Minimum Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in ALD or CVD process development for semiconductor, photovoltaic, or barrier applications
• Expert knowledge of ALD reaction mechanisms, surface chemistry, and growth kinetics for metal oxides
• Demonstrated experience with thermal, plasma-enhanced ALD, or CVD processes
• Hands‑on experience with ALD or CVD reactor operation, maintenance, and precursor delivery systems
• Proficiency with thin film characterization (ellipsometry, XRD, XRR, SEM, TEM, XPS, WVTR testing)
• Track record of integrating ALD films into multi‑layer device structures

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience depositing ALD films on perovskite or organic semiconductor surfaces, including SnO2 and Al2O3
• Experience with low-temperature ALD processes (<100°C) compatible with organic/hybrid materials
• Knowledge of spatial ALD or roll-to-roll ALD for high-throughput applications
• Experience with ALD‑based thin‑film encapsulation for OLED or flexible electronics
• Familiarity with hybrid organic‑inorganic ALD (MLD/ALD) for flexible barrier films
• Understanding of how ALD processing conditions affect perovskite stability and device performance

Base Pay Range for: WA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Background Check Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training. Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program. Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week) Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays. Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affinity? Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affinity? please contact us at [e-mail]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future. We are a mission-driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices. At Blue, our team is building the future as their unique selves. Thank you for your interest in working at Blue Origin! Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space.

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