Senior PV Test Engineer: Space Solar Cell Characterization

Socket.dev; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 137,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Amazon Leo seeks an experienced Photovoltaic Test Engineer to lead solar cell and module characterization. You will own PV equipment operation, calibration, and data generation across end-of-life scenarios, informing power predictions for satellite solar arrays.

You will run high-precision IV, EQE, IQE tests, perform defect analysis with PL/EL imaging, and manage radiation exposure campaigns. Team includes design and radiation facilities to drive design guidance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or above in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), or Master's degree or above in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering
• 5+ years of experience in photovoltaic device characterization, including IV testing, spectral response measurements, and electro-optical imaging techniques
• 3+ years of experience operating and maintaining laboratory test equipment in a research or production environment
• Experience with radiation effects testing or accelerated aging of semiconductor devices
• Proficiency in data analysis and scripting (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for test automation and post-processing of large datasets

Responsibilities

• Lead high-precision electrical and optical characterization of solar cells and modules using IV, EQE, and IQE measurements.
• Utilize advanced PL and EL imaging to map defect distributions and analyze recombination pathways.
• Execute radiation exposure campaigns followed by multi-temperature light-soak to capture degradation/recovery cycles.
• Own operation, calibration, service, and maintenance of PV characterization equipment.
• Develop and validate test methods and fixtures for emerging cell technologies and module-level characterization.
• Extract data trends and deliver reports to inform design decisions and power budget models.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal engineers to translate results into design guidance.
• Provide broad lab support including environmental and mechanical testing.

Skills

PV device characterization

Radiation testing

Test equipment operation

Python

MATLAB

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Amazon Leo seeks an experienced Photovoltaic Test Engineer to lead solar cell and module characterization. You will own PV equipment operation, calibration, and data generation across end-of-life scenarios, informing power predictions for satellite solar arrays.

You will run high-precision IV, EQE, IQE tests, perform defect analysis with PL/EL imaging, and manage radiation exposure campaigns. Team includes design and radiation facilities to drive design guidance.