Solar Cell Characterization Technician - R&D Metrology

SpaceX; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Materials R&D Technician for solar cell characterization. You will partner with engineering to stand up lab equipment, run metrology tests, and generate trusted data to support cell performance, yield, and DOE trials.

Responsibilities include executing electrical, optical, and materials measurements, preparing samples, and assisting in root cause analysis. You will help ensure safe lab operations and maintain data integrity across projects.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency; relevant lab experience preferred.
• 3+ years in metrology or materials characterization in PV or semiconductor environments.
• Ability to safely handle hazardous chemicals and comply with safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Bring online solar cell metrology and materials characterization testing.
• Perform electrical, optical, and materials measurements on wafers and cells (I-V, PL/EL imaging, lifetime).
• Prepare samples for characterization and failure analysis; assist root-cause analysis.
• Set up, calibrate, and maintain metrology equipment for accuracy and repeatability.
• Collect and report data to support DOE tests, process trials, and yield analysis.
• Support failure analysis for underperforming cells and document anomalies.
• Follow 5S and cleanroom protocols; train technicians on metrology methods.

Skills

metrology

materials characterization

data analysis

safety compliance

communication

Education

High school diploma

STEM degree preferred

Tools

solar simulators

I-V testers

PL/EL imaging

lifetime testers

optical microscopes

ellipsometers

spectrophotometers

four-point probes

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Materials R&D Technician for solar cell characterization. You will partner with engineering to stand up lab equipment, run metrology tests, and generate trusted data to support cell performance, yield, and DOE trials.

Responsibilities include executing electrical, optical, and materials measurements, preparing samples, and assisting in root cause analysis. You will help ensure safe lab operations and maintain data integrity across projects.