Process Technician - Solar Cell Manufacturing (Night Shift)

StartupAZ Foundation; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Solestial, a pioneering solar energy company for space, is seeking a Process Technician for the night shift. In this role, you will process ultra-thin solar cells, operate R&D equipment, and ensure quality control measures are upheld in a dynamic manufacturing environment. This position offers competitive compensation, including equity, and aims to empower you to contribute to space-bound solar technology.

Benefits

Competitive salary + equity

Generous medical, dental, and vision coverage

15 days PTO + annual Holiday Break

401K with employer match

Employer-paid disability and life insurance

Qualifications

• Ability to work in clean room environment.
• Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lift heavy objects and spend extended periods standing or sitting.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate R&D equipment to process solar cells.
• Perform operational preventative maintenance on manufacturing equipment.
• Monitor process data and maintain communication with supervisors.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Problem Solving

Communication

Positive Attitude

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associates of Science degree or Certification in STEM

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&D 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.

Your Mission:

• 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.

What You Bring:

• 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
• PTO of 15 days + annual Holiday Break and 10 paid holidays annually
• 401K with employer match up to 4% of salary
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability and employer-sponsored life insurance
• Your work will literally go to space!