PVD Research Engineer II — Thin-Film & PV Innovation

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

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