Durability Manager

Tandem PV; Fremont (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

TandemPV, Inc. in Fremont, CA is seeking a hands-on PV reliability engineer to improve degradation testing hardware and expand advanced metrology capabilities.

You will conduct detailed failure analyses, analyze historical data for long-term trends, and map degradation mechanisms to translate findings into practical engineering improvements. You will manage a small team of engineers and technicians while communicating results through technical reports and cross-functional presentations to drive

Qualifications

• Education: B.S. or higher in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience: 3–5+ years in solar PV reliability, testing, or device characterization; at least 1 year in management.
• Technical Expertise: Familiarity with PV module manufacturing, accelerated stress testing (IEC), data analytics, and failure analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Hardware & Metrology Development: Maintain and improve degradation test hardware and expand metrology capabilities.
• Failure Analysis: Conduct pre- and post-mortem analyses to identify root causes of degradation.
• Data Analysis & Trends: Analyze historical testing data for long-term trends.
• Mechanism Mapping: Document degradation modes and underlying physical/chemical mechanisms.
• Advanced Characterization: Use state-of-the-art techniques to study devices and material layers.
• Engineering Solutions: Translate findings into actionable recommendations to improve performance and durability.
• Technical Reporting: Prepare reports and presentations for cross-functional teams.
• Management: Lead and develop a small team of engineers and technicians.

Skills

Data analysis

Project management

Technical communication

Education

B.S. or higher in Materials Science/Engineering

Tools

EL/PL imaging

FTIR

SEM

Job description

At Tandem PV, we are a team of people who are passionate about building a more sustainable world by bringing cost effective solar panels onto the market. We’re scaling metal-halide perovskite solar technology to make best-in-class mechanically stacked tandem modules. We have built efficient, durable cells, monolithic multi-cell submodules, and packaged modules with our scalable, low-cost process. Our next focus is expanding our team to bring our product to market at scale.

Job Summary:

This person would be responsible for improving degradation testing hardware and expanding advanced metrology capabilities to better understand device performance and reliability. They would conduct detailed failure analyses to identify the root causes of module degradation, analyze historical test data for long-term trends, and document key degradation modes and their underlying physical and chemical mechanisms. Using advanced characterization techniques, they would investigate device and material behavior at a fundamental level, then translate those findings into practical engineering recommendations to improve performance and durability. They would also communicate results through clear technical reports and presentations for cross-functional teams. This person will manage a small team of engineers and technicians.

Key Responsibilities:

• Hardware & Metrology Development: Maintain and improve degradation test hardware while developing advanced metrology capabilities to expand our testing scope.

• Failure Analysis: Conduct thorough pre- and post-mortem failure analyses on modules to determine exact root causes of degradation and failure.

• Data Analysis & Trends: Perform deep dives into historical testing data to identify long-term trends.

• Mechanism Mapping: Compile and document various degradation modes alongside their underlying physical and chemical mechanisms.

• Advanced Characterization: Utilize cutting-edge characterization techniques on devices and material layers to understand fundamental photophysics.

• Engineering Solutions: Translate findings into actionable recommendations, suggesting innovative routes to enhance overall device performance and durability.

• Technical Reporting: Assemble comprehensive technical reports and presentations to clearly communicate results and recommendations to cross-functional teams.

• Management: Manage people and projects, focusing on team effectiveness towards project goals.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Education: B.S or higher. in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience: 3-5+ years of hands-on experience in solar PV reliability, testing, or device characterization. At least 1 year direct management experience.

• Technical Expertise: Familiarity with PV module manufacturing, accelerated stress testing (IEC standards, damp heat, thermal cycling, etc.), data analytics, and failure analysis tools (e.g., EL/PL imaging, FTIR, SEM). Tool engineering experience desired but not required.

Founded in 2016 by Stanford PhD graduates Colin Bailie and Chris Eberspacher, TandemPV is pioneering the next generation of solar technology through high-efficiency, mechanically stacked perovskite-silicon tandem panels. As an early leader in this technology, we're focused on delivering significantly greater power output than conventional solar panels while reducing costs and advancing American solar manufacturing.

Headquartered in Fremont, California, TandemPV has grown to approximately 65 employees and operates a 65,000-square-foot R&D and manufacturing facility. With more than $100 million in funding raised, we're accelerating the transition from breakthrough research to commercial-scale manufacturing. Our experienced leadership team has successfully executed 10 federal and state-funded projects and continues to advance strategic partnerships, product development, and manufacturing innovation.

Recognized as the 2025 Best Pre-Commercial Venture by the Industry Growth Forum and named among America's Top GreenTech Companies by TIME for three consecutive years, TandemPV is helping shape the future of clean energy.

We're building a team of talented, driven individuals who thrive on solving complex challenges, developing innovative technologies, and turning ambitious ideas into real-world products. At TandemPV, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact as we scale our technology, expand U.S. manufacturing, and bring next-generation solar solutions to market.

Tandem PV is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.