Durability & Reliability Lead, Solar PV

Tandem PV, Inc.; Iowa; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Tandem PV is seeking a senior engineer to lead degradation testing improvements and expand advanced metrology capabilities. You will manage a small team of engineers and technicians, analyze failure modes, and translate findings into concrete recommendations to improve module performance and reliability.

The role focuses on hardware development, data-driven insights, and cross‑functional collaboration to scale our perovskite‑silicon tandem technology for market-ready products.

Qualifications

• B.S. or higher in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3–5+ years of hands‑on experience in solar PV reliability, testing, or device characterization; at least 1 year management experience.
• Familiarity with PV module manufacturing, accelerated stress testing (IEC standards, damp heat, thermal cycling), data analytics, and failure analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Hardware & Metrology Development: Maintain and improve degradation test hardware while developing advanced metrology capabilities to expand 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 advanced characterization techniques on devices and material layers to understand fundamental photophysics.
• Engineering Solutions: Translate findings into actionable recommendations to enhance device performance and durability.
• Technical Reporting: Assemble technical reports and presentations to communicate results to cross‑functional teams.
• Management: Manage people and projects, focusing on team effectiveness toward project goals.

Skills

PV reliability

Data analytics

Team leadership

Education

B.S. or higher in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Tools

EL/PL imaging

FTIR

SEM

IEC testing standards

Job description

Tandem PV is seeking a senior engineer to lead degradation testing improvements and expand advanced metrology capabilities. You will manage a small team of engineers and technicians, analyze failure modes, and translate findings into concrete recommendations to improve module performance and reliability.

The role focuses on hardware development, data-driven insights, and cross‑functional collaboration to scale our perovskite‑silicon tandem technology for market-ready products.