Senior Solar Cell Reliability Engineer - Space-Grade Power

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Texas seeks a Sr. Solar Cell Reliability Engineer to own the reliability lab and the end-to-end reliability story for HJT solar cells in space, covering wafer to on-orbit performance.

You will define test strategies, establish qualification criteria, and lead failure analyses to ensure durability for Starlink, Starship, and deep-space missions. This is a hands-on, on-site role with cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline and 5+ years of relevant experience in design, analysis, or system implementation.
• Master’s or Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, environmental, or related technical discipline is preferred.
• Hands-on experience with solar cell/PV reliability and related metrology is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Own and operate the solar cell reliability lab, including equipment strategy, calibration, maintenance, safety, throughput, and data integrity for HJT testing.
• Define and continuously improve the space reliability test matrix for HJT cells (thermal cycling, vacuum, humidity, UV, bias, shocks, radiation, accelerated life tests).
• Build the reliability narrative for flight and program reviews with failure modes, physics of failure, life models, and acceptance criteria.
• Collaborate with process/equipment engineering to link process parameters to reliability outcomes and lead corrective actions.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

JMP

R

PV metrology tools

DOE

Statistics

Data analysis

XRD

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's or Ph.D. in related field

Tools

Sinton lifetime

EL/PL

PE-CVD equipment

PVD machines

ALD tools

wafer inspection equipment

Job description

SpaceX in Texas seeks a Sr. Solar Cell Reliability Engineer to own the reliability lab and the end-to-end reliability story for HJT solar cells in space, covering wafer to on-orbit performance.

You will define test strategies, establish qualification criteria, and lead failure analyses to ensure durability for Starlink, Starship, and deep-space missions. This is a hands-on, on-site role with cross-functional collaboration.