Solar Cell Metrology Engineer — Materials Characterization

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Materials Engineer, Solar Cell Characterization, to own offline metrology and materials analyses for insourced solar cells. You will build measurement capabilities, analyze electrical/optical/chemical data, and work with process, production, and quality teams to improve cell performance and yield.

You will apply first-principles thinking to diagnose issues, develop robust measurement recipes, and translate results into actionable material and process recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in materials science/engineering or related field.
• 1+ years in materials characterization, failure analysis, PV metrology, or related lab/manufacturing role.
• Hands-on experience with photovoltaic devices, silicon wafers, or semiconductor devices.
• Ability to design and interpret metrology data and drive improvements.

Responsibilities

• Own characterization and metrology strategy for insourced solar cells across interfaces and production-ready recipes.
• Build and maintain offline electrical, optical, and materials characterization methods for performance, reliability, and yield.
• Lead root cause analyses for performance excursions; design experiments and drive first-principles fixes.
• Define measurement requirements, sampling plans, gauge R&R, calibration, and acceptance criteria with cross-functional teams.
• Document methods, FA reports, and best practices; communicate status and risks clearly.

Skills

First-principles thinking

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Metrology mindset

Education

Bachelor's in materials science/engineering

Master's or PhD preferred

PV metrology experience

Tools

SEM-EDS

FIB cross-sectioning

AFM

XRD

FTIR

XPS

SIMS

ICP-MS

Optical microscopy

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Materials Engineer, Solar Cell Characterization, to own offline metrology and materials analyses for insourced solar cells. You will build measurement capabilities, analyze electrical/optical/chemical data, and work with process, production, and quality teams to improve cell performance and yield.

You will apply first-principles thinking to diagnose issues, develop robust measurement recipes, and translate results into actionable material and process recommendations.