Sr Solar Cell Test Engineer

Blue Origin LLC; Washington; On-site; USD 145,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k)

Parental Leave

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC in Washington state seeks a Solar Cell Test Engineer to own the test and characterization infrastructure for the perovskite program. You will define test plans, specify equipment, develop measurement protocols, and lead analysis turning data into actionable engineering insights for space power systems.

The role covers rapid feedback R&D characterization through formal qualification testing, aligned with space PV standards; experience with J-V, EQE, PL and environmental stress

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in photovoltaic device testing, characterization, or reliability engineering.
• Expert-level proficiency with solar cell characterization techniques: J-V measurement, EQE, solar simulator calibration, reference cell traceability.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute device characterization protocols: J-V under AM0, EQE, PL, impedance spectroscopy, and electroluminescence imaging.
• Develop and maintain the test laboratory infrastructure: solar simulators, EQE systems, environmental chambers, radiation sources, and data acquisition systems.
• Define qualification test plans aligned with space PV standards including radiation testing, thermal cycling, UV exposure, and humidity.
• Analyze device degradation mechanisms through systematic characterization before and after stress testing, correlating performance loss with physical mechanisms.
• Develop accelerated testing methodologies that predict long-term space performance from short-duration lab tests.
• Establish measurement uncertainty budgets, calibration protocols, and traceability for all key measurements.
• Build and maintain a structured test database linking sample identity, processing history, test conditions, and results.
• Collaborate with radiation test facilities to plan and execute radiation campaigns.
• Present test results to program reviews with clear statistical analysis, confidence intervals, and pass/fail assessments.

Skills

J-V measurement

EQE

Solar simulator calibration

Environmental stress testing

Weibull analysis

DOE

Python

LabVIEW

Education

M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field

Tools

Solar simulators

EQE systems

Environmental chambers

Radiation sources

Data acquisition systems

Job description

Application close date: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

This role is part of Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin’s mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design.

Mission At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

About the Role

As a Solar Cell Test Engineer, you will own the test and characterization infrastructure for the perovskite solar cell program. You will get the chance to define test plans, specify and commission equipment, develop measurement protocols, and lead the analysis that converts raw data into actionable engineering insights. Your work spans from rapid-feedback R&D characterization (J-V, EQE, PL) through formal qualification testing (radiation, thermal cycling, humidity, UV) aligned with space power standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute device characterization protocols: current-voltage (J-V) under AM0 illumination, external quantum efficiency (EQE), photoluminescence (steady-state and time-resolved), impedance spectroscopy, and electroluminescence imaging
• Develop and maintain the test laboratory infrastructure: solar simulators, EQE systems, environmental chambers, radiation sources, and data acquisition systems
• Define qualification test plans aligned with space PV standards including radiation testing (proton, electron), thermal cycling, UV exposure, and humidity
• Analyze device degradation mechanisms through systematic characterization before and after stress testing — correlating performance loss with specific physical mechanisms
• Develop accelerated testing methodologies that predict long‑term space performance from short-duration lab tests
• Establish measurement uncertainty budgets, calibration protocols, and traceability for all key measurements
• Build and maintain a structured test database linking sample identity, processing history, test conditions, and results
• Collaborate with radiation test facilities (proton/electron accelerators) to plan and execute radiation campaigns
• Present test results to program reviews with clear statistical analysis, confidence intervals, and pass/fail assessments

Qualifications

M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field 8+ years of experience in photovoltaic device testing, characterization, or reliability engineering Expert-level proficiency with solar cell characterization techniques: J-V measurement, EQE, solar simulator calibration, reference cell traceability Demonstrated experience with environmental stress testing (thermal cycling, damp heat, UV) and interpreting degradation data Strong statistical analysis skills: DOE, hypothesis testing, Weibull analysis, measurement system analysis Experience specifying, procuring, and commissioning test equipment for a photovoltaic characterization lab Track record of managing test campaigns from planning through reporting with rigorous data quality controls

Preferred Qualifications

Direct experience testing perovskite solar cells (understanding of hysteresis, light‑soaking effects, ion migration artifacts) Experience designing and performing both qualification and acceptance tests for space photovoltaics Familiarity with solar simulation, spectrum correction, and space-relevant measurement protocols Experience with imaging techniques for defect detection: electroluminescence, photoluminescence mapping, thermal imaging Knowledge of test standards for space photovoltaics Experience with automated test systems and data pipeline development (LabVIEW, Python, or similar) Experience specifying, procuring, and commissioning environmental test equipment for space solar array operation (AO, UV, HALT/HASS, Combined Effects) Experience managing or mentoring a team of test engineers or technicians Base Pay Range for: WA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20 Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check Required for all positions

Blue’s Standard Background Check Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training. Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre‑employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long‑term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)

Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company‑paid holidays.

Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

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