Materials R&D Technician, Solar Cell Characterization

InvestedintheMission; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Materials R&D Technician for solar cell characterization to partner with engineering, operate lab equipment, and generate reliable metrology data. You will support DOE-driven trials and root-cause analysis to improve cell performance and yield for Starlink and Starship programs.

Responsibilities include sample prep, measurement execution (I-V, PL/EL), and maintaining lab hygiene and safety while complying with SOPs and 5S standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency; 3+ years in metrology or materials characterization in semiconductor or PV lab/manufacturing environment.
• Experience handling hazardous chemicals safely and following lab safety protocols.
• Preferred: Bachelor's or Associate's in STEM; 5+ years in semiconductor, solar, or materials characterization labs.

Responsibilities

• Partner with engineering to bring online solar cell metrology and materials characterization testing of insourced cells.
• Execute electrical, optical, and materials measurements on wafers and solar cells (I-V, PL/EL imaging, lifetime, optical inspection, microscopy).
• Prepare samples for characterization and failure analysis; sectioning, polishing, coating, chemical processing as required.
• Drive equipment setup, calibration, troubleshooting, maintenance, and tool matching for accurate, repeatable data.
• Collect, organize, and report data to support DOEs, process trials, and root cause analysis of performance and yield issues.
• Support failure analysis for underperforming or failed cells; flag anomalies and preserve evidence.

Skills

Metrology

Materials characterization

Data collection

Statistical analysis

Lab safety

Communication

Troubleshooting

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor's or Associate's degree in STEM

High school diploma or equivalency

Tools

Solar simulators

I-V testers

PL/EL imaging

Lifetime testers

Optical microscopes

SEM

Ellipsometers

Spectrophotometers

Four-point probes

LIMS

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

MATERIALS R&D TECHNICIAN, SOLAR CELL CHARACTERIZATION

Starlink is building the world's largest satellite constellation to deliver fast, reliable internet to people who need it most—and powering that constellation starts on the factory floor. We are insourcing solar cell manufacturing end-to-end, from crystal growth and ingot production through wafering and cell fabrication, to drive performance, cost, and scale at every step. High-efficiency, high-reliability cells made in-house are the backbone of the Starlink network: more photons in means more data out to customers around the world.

As a Materials R&D Technician for solar cell characterization, you will partner directly with engineering to stand up lab equipment and run characterization testing of insourced solar cells. You will execute metrology and sample preparation, keep lab tools calibrated and producing trusted data, and support root cause analysis for cell performance and yield. The measurements you take will feed recipe development, process control, and high-volume manufacturing of cells that power next-generation Starlink satellites and Starship missions to the Moon and Mars.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• 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 Affi…[e-mail].