Physical Vapor Deposition Researcher — Associate Engineer II

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Education support program

Job summary

Blue Origin in Seattle, WA, seeks a hands-on scientist to execute and refine vacuum thin-film deposition for advanced photovoltaic devices within ACE. You will operate evaporation and sputtering systems, characterize films, and analyze data to drive process improvements, guiding DOE campaigns and collaborating with device integration teams.

The role emphasizes meticulous documentation, safety, and equipment maintenance in a lab-intensive environment that supports Blue Origin’s spaceflight

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in vacuum thin-film deposition (academic or industry).
• Hands-on experience operating vacuum systems (thermal evaporators, sputter coaters, or similar).
• Basic understanding of thin-film growth physics and stress.
• Familiarity with characterization techniques (profilometry, XRD, SEM, optical spectroscopy).
• Strong documentation habits and attention to experimental detail.

Responsibilities

• Operate thermal evaporation, co-evaporation, and sputtering systems to deposit thin-film layers per recipes and DOE plans.
• Perform routine film characterization and maintain lab notebooks to research-grade standards.
• Maintain vacuum deposition equipment and coordinate service when needed.
• Analyze process data, present results, and propose recipe modifications.
• Support DOE campaigns by preparing substrates and compiling results.
• Collaborate with device integration to meet target specifications on schedule.

Skills

Vacuum deposition experience

Lab notebook/documentation

Safety with vacuum systems

Data analysis

Analytical troubleshooting

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or related field

Tools

Vacuum systems equipment

Thin-film characterization techniques

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.

Working with PVD lead you will execute and refine physical vapor deposition processes (thermal evaporation, co-evaporation, sputtering) to produce high-quality thin films for advanced photovoltaic devices. You will run experiments, collect and analyze data, maintain equipment, and contribute to process improvement. This is a hands-on role with significant time in the lab operating vacuum systems, performing film characterization, and iterating on process recipes.

Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To

• Operate thermal evaporation, co-evaporation, and sputtering systems to deposit thin-film layers per established recipes and DOE plans
• Perform routine film characterization (thickness measurement, profilometry, 4-point probe, optical transmission, XRD sample prep)
• Maintain vacuum deposition equipment including source changes, chamber cleaning, pump maintenance, and substrate fixture preparation
• Record detailed experimental data and maintain lab notebooks to research-grade documentation standards
• Analyze process data and present results to the team, identifying trends and proposing recipe modifications
• Support DOE campaigns by preparing substrates, executing run matrices, and compiling results
• Assist with equipment commissioning, qualification runs, and process capability studies
• Contribute to process documentation, standard operating procedures, and safety protocols
• Collaborate with device integration team to provide films meeting target specifications on schedule
• Perform routine laboratory maintenance: chamber cleaning, pump oil changes, source replacements, substrate fixture reconditioning, and general lab upkeep
• Manage consumables inventory (targets, crucibles, substrates, gases) and coordinate reorders to prevent supply interruptions
• Maintain lab cleanliness, organization, and chemical inventory records; support hazardous waste collection and disposal
• Troubleshoot equipment issues (leak detection, pressure anomalies, source failures) and coordinate vendor service when needed

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or related field
• 2+ years of experience in vacuum thin-film deposition (academic or industry)
• Hands-on experience operating vacuum systems (thermal evaporators, sputter coaters, or similar)
• Basic understanding of thin-film growth physics (nucleation, crystal orientation, stress)
• Familiarity with standard thin-film characterization techniques (profilometry, XRD, SEM, optical spectroscopy)
• Demonstrated ability to work safely with vacuum equipment, compressed gases, and laboratory chemicals
• Strong documentation habits and attention to experimental detail

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. with thesis work involving vacuum deposition of photovoltaic or optoelectronic materials
• Experience with multi-source co-evaporation or reactive sputtering
• Familiarity with perovskite, CIGS, CdTe, or organic semiconductor materials
• Experience with QCM-based deposition rate monitoring
• Knowledge of DOE methodology and statistical analysis tools (JMP, Minitab, or Python/R)
• Experience in a cleanroom or controlled-environment laboratory setting
• Coursework or research in photovoltaic device physics

Base Pay Range For

WA applicants is $99,201.00 - $138,880.35

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 Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, 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.