Solar Cell Quality Engineer: Space-Grade Metrology & QA

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Solar Cell Quality Engineer to own the solar cell fab quality and ensure no defective cells reach assembly or space. You will manage inline and offline metrology systems, define test methods, sampling plans, and acceptance criteria to maintain high yield and reliability across Starship and Starlink programs.

You will build and defend calibration and correlation programs, mentor technicians, and partner with process engineering to catch drifts before they become scrap.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required; 1+ years in chemistry, materials, electrical, physics, or mechanical engineering with design/analysis experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own quality of solar cell fab to prevent escapes to module assembly and flight.
• Manage inline and offline metrology systems (I-V, EL/PL, ellipsometry) and related inspection equipment.
• Define test methods, sampling frequency, acceptance criteria, and action plans for in-process and end-of-line measurements.
• Establish binning definitions, grade gates, retest rules, and hold/release logic.
• Develop and maintain MSA/GR&R, calibration, correlation, and golden-sample programs.
• Build SPC, spec limits, and out-of-control plans to monitor yield and reliability.
• Create and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and training materials; act as SME during install and ramp.
• Collaborate with process/equipment engineering to catch drifts and prevent scrap or escapes.
• Lead root-cause analysis on quality escapes using I-V/EL/PL/lifetime data; close the loop with manufacturing.

Skills

Metrology

Data analysis

Statistical methods

Documentation

On-site collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

I‑V testers

EL/PL systems

Ellipsometry

SEM/EDS

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Solar Cell Quality Engineer to own the solar cell fab quality and ensure no defective cells reach assembly or space. You will manage inline and offline metrology systems, define test methods, sampling plans, and acceptance criteria to maintain high yield and reliability across Starship and Starlink programs.

You will build and defend calibration and correlation programs, mentor technicians, and partner with process engineering to catch drifts before they become scrap.