Solar Cell Reliability Engineer — Spacecraft Power

InvestedintheMission; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Solar Cell Reliability Engineer (STARLINK) to own the reliability lab and oversee the end-to-end reliability narrative for solar cells in space, from wafer processing through module integration and on-orbit performance.

You will lead rigorous test programs, analyze failure modes, and drive improvements across processes and materials to ensure high power density and robust durability for Starlink missions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering discipline.
• 1+ years in chemical engineering, materials science, electrical, physics, or mechanical engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Own and operate the solar cell reliability lab and ensure data integrity.
• Define and execute space reliability test matrix for HJT cells (thermal cycling, vacuum, humidity, UV, bias, vibration).
• Build reliability narrative for flight reviews including failure modes and life predictions.
• Collaborate with process/equipment teams to link parameters to reliability outcomes.
• Establish reliability gates for process changes and supplier substitutions.
• Develop and maintain test methods, fixtures, and automation for high-throughput reliability testing.
• Lead root cause analysis using SEM/FIB/EDS/FTIR/PL/EL and related techniques.
• Define KPIs and report status with actionable recommendations.
• Interface with power, thermal, radiation, quality, and flight reliability teams for coherence with spacecraft environments.
• Support flight anomaly investigations and update models as data matures.
• Mentor technicians and engineers; contribute to lab culture and data interpretation.
• Prepare and present technical content for design and readiness reviews.

Skills

Python

Data analysis

statistics

lab operations

team mentoring

experimental design

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Master's degree or PhD (preferred)

Tools

Sinton lifetime

EL/PL

SEM

XRD

PVD/PECVD tools

vacuum systems

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Solar Cell Reliability Engineer (STARLINK) to own the reliability lab and oversee the end-to-end reliability narrative for solar cells in space, from wafer processing through module integration and on-orbit performance.

You will lead rigorous test programs, analyze failure modes, and drive improvements across processes and materials to ensure high power density and robust durability for Starlink missions.