Thin Film Solar Sputter Engineer

E-Space; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Continuous learning and development

Health and wellness options

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

E-Space is seeking a skilled Thin Film Solar Sputter Engineer to support manufacturing of flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules in our Arlington, TX facility.

You will operate, monitor, and optimize roll-to-roll deposition and sputter systems; manage process parameters, perform preventive maintenance, and collaborate with R&D to drive improvements in web handling and film quality.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with roll-to-roll or web-based processing equipment.
• Strong understanding of web dynamics including tension, tracking and substrate handling.
• 5+ years of experience with magnetron sputter deposition for thin films.
• Expertise in vacuum, mechanical, pneumatic and electrical systems on production tools.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain roll-to-roll vacuum deposition and sputter coating systems for thin-film production.
• Monitor process parameters and equipment performance for web tension, alignment, film thickness and composition.
• Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on web-handling and deposition equipment.
• Collaborate with R&D to optimize new processes and lead development and troubleshooting efforts.
• Handle substrates and materials in accordance with SOPs and document steps and deviations.

Skills

Roll-to-Roll Processing

Web Dynamics

Magnetron Sputter Deposition

Production Tool Systems

Vacuum & Mechanical Systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Materials Science

Tools

SCADA

PLC

Data Logging

Job description

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place!

E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.

We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.

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.

What you’ll be doing:

• 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.

What you will bring to this role:

• 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.

Extra points for the following:

• 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.

We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used—so we’re looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that’s your experience – then we’ll be immediately wow-ed.

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

Why E-Space is right for you:

As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success. Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals. In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.

We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That’s why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:

• An opportunity to really make a difference
• Sustainability at our core
• Fair and honest workplace
• Innovative thinking is encouraged
• Competitive salaries
• Continuous learning and development
• Health and wellness care options
• Financial solutions for the future
• Optional legal services (US only)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off