Process Technician - Solar Cell Manufacturing (Night Shift)

Solestial, Inc.; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off (vacation, sick days, 10

401K with employer match

Job summary

Solestial, Inc. is seeking a Process Technician (Night Shift) to process ultra-thin solar cells and operate R&D equipment following documented procedures.

You will troubleshoot tool failures, assist in transferring R&D processes to manufacturing tools, and support a 6pm-2am night shift in a dynamic, clean-room environment. The role includes performing preventative maintenance, monitoring alarms, and collaborating with process engineers.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's degree or STEM certification preferred.
• Ability to work night shifts.
• Clean room environment experience preferred.
• Able to lift heavy objects and stand long periods.

Responsibilities

• Operate tools safely to maintain quality and fulfill orders per supervisor.
• Follow training, procedures, and directions from team members.
• Interact with equipment to monitor parameters and alarms.
• Characterize partially processed solar cells (e.g., Sinton lifetime).
• Monitor process data and maintain records as directed.
• Escalate issues and provide timely communication and recommendations.
• Collaborate with solar cell engineers on problem solving.
• Communicate effectively during shift changes.
• Perform mechanical maintenance on large-scale manufacturing lines.
• Follow safety requirements and maintain a clean work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Safety procedures

Equipment operation

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's degree or STEM certification

Tools

R&D equipment

Manufacturing tools

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 Process Technician (Night Shift) at Solestial you will be responsible for processing ultra-thin solar cells according to baseline processes. This will include safely operating R&D equipment to run baseline solar cell production lots according to documented procedures, troubleshooting tool failures, and assisting process engineers with transferring R&Dprocesses 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, 6pm-2am.
• 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 night shifts.
• 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.
• Previous experience working in a clean room environment (production or R&D) as well as experience with in solar cell or electronics manufacturing is a strong plus.

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.