Thin Film Solar Sputter Engineer

Espace

Arlington (TX)

On-site

USD 75,000 - 95,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Health and wellness care options

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Espace is seeking a skilled Thin Film Solar Sputter Engineer in Arlington, TX to support the manufacturing of flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules. The successful candidate will focus on operating and optimizing roll-to-roll processing equipment.

Requirements include a Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 5 years of relevant experience, particularly with sputter deposition techniques. The position offers a full-time, exempt role with a commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Qualifications

5+ years experience with roll-to-roll processing equipment.
Expertise in thin-film photovoltaic materials like CIGS and CdTe.
Strong understanding of web dynamics including tension control.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain roll-to-roll vacuum deposition systems.
Monitor process parameters for optimal performance.
Lead process development and troubleshooting efforts.

Skills

Roll-to-roll processing

Thin-film sputter deposition

Process control

Cleanroom environment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology or related field

Tools

Vacuum systems

SCADA

PLC

Job description

The E‑Space Manufacturing Solar Team builds the world’s most advanced aerospace products.

We are seeking a skilled and detail‑oriented Thin Film Solar Sputter Engineer to support the manufacturing of flexible thin film photovoltaic modules. This hands‑on role focuses on operating, monitoring, and optimizing manufacturing and roll‑to‑roll (R2R) processing equipment used in the deposition and fabrication of thin‑film solar layers. The ideal candidate has a strong background in web handling, process control, and thin‑film sputter deposition in a cleanroom or high‑tech manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain roll‑to‑roll vacuum deposition and sputter coating systems used for thin‑film production.
Monitor process parameters and equipment performance to ensure optimal web tension, alignment, film uniformity, film thickness, and composition.
Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on web‑handling and deposition equipment.
Work with the team to optimize and develop new processes.
Lead process development, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement efforts in collaboration with R&D teams.
Handle substrates and materials (e.g., substrates, targets) with care and precision in accordance with SOPs (instructions).
Document operational steps, process deviations, and maintenance activities in production logs and reports.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology, Materials Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent hands‑on experience in a manufacturing environment.
Minimum 5 years of experience with roll‑to‑roll or web‑based processing equipment.
Strong understanding of web dynamics including tension control, tracking, splicing, and substrate handling.
Minimum 5 years of experience with magnetron sputter deposition techniques for thin films.
Expertise in vacuum, mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical systems on production tools.
Experience specifically with thin‑film photovoltaic materials (CIGS, CdTe, a‑Si, OPV, perovskites).
Knowledge of process control systems (SCADA, PLC) and data logging tools.
Previous work in pilot‑scale or high‑volume manufacturing of flexible electronics or photovoltaics.

This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Arlington, TX office.

E‑Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.

Benefits