PECVD/ PVD Process Technician - Solar Cell Manufacturing

Solestial, Inc.; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical, dental, vision coverage on 1s

401K with employer match

Paid holidays

Job summary

Solestial, Inc. is hiring a PECVD/PVD Technician to operate deposition equipment, support transfer from R&D to mass production, and troubleshoot tool issues in a clean room manufacturing setting.

You will work with engineers to ensure quality and process control, perform basic maintenance, and maintain documentation while supporting a dynamic, space-focused team.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or STEM certification preferred.
• Experience in clean room environments is highly desired.
• Ability to lift heavy objects and work standing for long periods.
• Familiarity with PECVD/PVD equipment and process transfer.

Responsibilities

• Operate PECVD/PVD equipment for R&D and mass production.
• Perform preventative maintenance and monitor alarms.
• Assist process engineers in transferring processes to large-scale tools.
• Characterize partially processed solar cells and collect process data.
• Maintain safe, clean, and compliant work environment.

Skills

Clean room operation

Troubleshooting

Clear communication

Safety compliance

Education

Associates of Science degree or STEM certification

High school diploma or GED

Tools

PECVD / PVD operation

Vacuum deposition techniques

Hand tools & measurement devices

Job description

The Company:

Solestial, Inc. is the solar energy company for space. Solestial’s core technology is a breakthrough ultra-thin silicon solar cell that can self-cure radiation damage at normal operating temperatures in space, packaged in a flexible, lightweight panel designed to achieve minimum degradation for up to 10 years in LEO. Solestial panels can be mass-produced using automated machines resulting in costs 90% lower than incumbent technologies, with virtually unlimited manufacturing capacity. From today’s satellite constellations and research projects to tomorrow’s utility-scale energy infrastructure and services in space, Solestial is powering the new space economy.

The Role:

As a PECVD/PVD Technician at Solestial you will be responsible for operating PECVD/PVD equipment at Solestial and will assist in transitioning PECVD/PVD processes to a new mass production line. This will include safely operating R&D equipment to run baseline production lots according to documented procedures, troubleshooting tool failures, and assisting process engineers with transferring R&D PECVD/PVD processes to large-scale manufacturing tools. For our large-scale manufacturing line, technicians will be performing operational preventative maintenance on the equipment, diagnosing and troubleshooting intermediate-level alarms, running basic quality control procedures, and working with simple hand tools and systems during floor operations.

This is an exciting position as part of a positive, supportive, and passionate team!A competitive compensation package, including equity and full benefits (see below), will be offered.

Specific Responsibilities to Include:

• Available to work Monday-Friday, 8am - 4pm.
• Operate tools and equipment safely to maintain quality and fulfill orders per direction of supervisor.
• Perform assigned job duties in accordance with training, written procedures, and with direction provided by team members and supervisor.
• Interact with equipment to monitor parameters and alarms.
• Characterize partially processed solar cells (Sinton lifetime, photoluminescence, etc.).
• Monitor process data & make decisions based on procedures to maintain process control.Collect process data and maintain a record of work at the direction of the supervisor.
• Recognize conditions that require escalation and provide good communication on issues and recommendations.
• Collaborate with the solar cell engineers on problem solving.
• Provide good communication with team members and leadership during shift changes.
• Work in a R&D manufacturing environment, often without direct supervision.
• Perform mechanical maintenance activities utilizing hand tools and measurement devices in our large-scale manufacturing line.
• Follow safety requirements and prevent accidents.
• Maintain clean work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Your Background:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Associates of Science degree or Certification in a STEM program preferred.
• Ability to work in clean room environment.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• Ability to lift heavy objects, and spend the majority of time processing production lots in an environment where sitting/standing is required for extended periods of time.
• Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, clear communication.
• Positive attitude.
• A preferred candidate will have previous experience:
  • Working in a clean room environment (production or R&D)
  • PECVD / PVD Operation or other vacuum deposition techniques
  • Manufacturing Solar cell or electronics

Our Benefits:

• Competitive salary + equity - we want you to grow with us
• Generous, high-quality medical, dental, and vision coverage on day one of employment
• 15 vacation days, 5 sick days, and 10 paid holidays annually - with an extended holiday break at year’s end
• 401K with employer match up to 4% of salary
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability and employer-sponsored life insurance
• Your impact will extend beyond our labs - supporting production of solar technology that literally goes to space.