Senior Solar Cell Physicist: SHJ Production Leader

Starlink

Bastrop (TX)

On-site

USD 180,000 - 240,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. Device Physics Engineer to lead end-to-end SHJ solar cell efficiency in a high-volume fab, spanning from ingot growth through wafer prep, deposition, passivation, metallization, and module fabrication for Starlink missions.

You will define wafer specifications, design space-ready cell architectures, establish metrology and reliability frameworks, mentor a growing production team, and drive performance, yield, and durability of solar cells powering spacecraft.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
5+ years in chemical engineering design, analysis, or system implementation.
Master’s or PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or related STEM field preferred.
Strong understanding of SHJ, PERC, TOPCon, or HJT technologies.
Experience with PV metrology tools and reliability testing.
Proficiency in PV simulation software and data analysis (Python, R, SQL).
Experience with SPC, DoE, and lean manufacturing principles.
Ability to work in a cleanroom environment.

Responsibilities

Own end-to-end cell efficiency roadmap across ingot growth to module fabrication.
Define incoming wafer specs (resistivity, lifetime, thickness) for SHJ.
Design SHJ cell architectures optimized for space: radiation tolerance, thermal vacuum, UV exposure, high power.
Develop fab-wide metrology strategy and calibrate tools for real-time control.
Lead reliability engineering and establish accelerated life testing protocols per standards.
Build physics-based models for loss analysis and guide DoE with process teams.
Analyze production data to identify efficiency limiters and drive improvements.
Mentor PV physics fundamentals and represent performance in design reviews.