Senior Solar Cell Reliability Engineer for Space Systems

SpaceX; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX seeks a Sr. Solar Cell Reliability Engineer (Starlink) to own the reliability lab and drive the end-to-end reliability story for space solar cells—from wafer and cell processing to module integration and on-orbit performance.

You will define test matrices, optimize reliability for harsh space environments, and collaborate with process teams to ensure high power density and durability across Starship and Starlink missions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering; 5+ years in design, analysis, or system implementation.
• 7+ years hands-on experience in solar cell, PV module, or aerospace hardware reliability.
• Experience designing and interpreting accelerated environmental or reliability tests.
• Proficient data analysis skills and comfort with statistics (DOE, distributions).

Responsibilities

• Own and operate the solar cell reliability lab: equipment strategy, capability roadmap, calibration and data integrity.
• Define, execute and improve the space reliability test matrix for HJT solar cells and coupons.
• Build the reliability narrative for flight reviews: failure modes, life predictions, margins and acceptance logic.
• Link process parameters to reliability outcomes; drive corrective actions and design-for-reliability changes.
• Establish reliability gates for changes; manage risk assessment and release criteria.
• Develop and maintain test methods, SOPs, fixtures, and automation for high-throughput testing.
• Lead root cause analysis using SEM/FIB, EDS, FTIR, PL/EL, and other techniques; collaborate with manufacturing.
• Mentor technicians and present technical content for design reviews and reliability packages.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Statistics

Data analysis

Sem/FIB

FTIR

PL/EL

XRD

Vacuum systems

Reliability engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's or Ph.D. in chemistry/chemical engineering/materials science

Tools

Sinton lifetime

EL/PL

SEM

FTIR

XRD

Job description

SpaceX seeks a Sr. Solar Cell Reliability Engineer (Starlink) to own the reliability lab and drive the end-to-end reliability story for space solar cells—from wafer and cell processing to module integration and on-orbit performance.

You will define test matrices, optimize reliability for harsh space environments, and collaborate with process teams to ensure high power density and durability across Starship and Starlink missions.