Thin Film Solar Sputter Operator/Technician

Espace; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Health and wellness care options

Paid time off

Job summary

Espace, located in Arlington, TX, is seeking a Thin Film Solar Sputter operator/technician to join their manufacturing team for flexible thin film photovoltaic modules. The ideal candidate will operate and maintain production equipment while ensuring optimal process performance.

This full-time position offers a chance to be part of a innovative workplace focused on sustainability. The role requires a strong background in roll-to-roll processing and familiarity with thin-film photovoltaic materials.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience with roll-to-roll or web-based processing.
• Strong understanding of web dynamics including tension control.
• Experience with thin-film photovoltaic materials.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain roll-to-roll vacuum deposition systems.
• Monitor process parameters and equipment performance.
• Document operational steps and process deviations.

Skills

Roll-to-roll processing

Web dynamics

Magnetron sputter deposition

Vacuum systems

Education

Associate’s degree in engineering technology or related field

Tools

Data logging tools (SCADA, PLC)

Job description

E-Space, a leader in bridging Earth and space, is 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.

The E‑Space Manufacturing Solar Team builds the world’s most advanced aerospace products. We are seeking a skilled Thin Film Solar Sputter operator/technician to support the manufacturing of flexible thin film photovoltaic modules at our Arlington, TX office.

This is a full‑time, non‑exempt position. E‑Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.

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.
• Support process development, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement efforts in collaboration with engineering and 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

• Associate’s degree in engineering technology, Materials Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent hands‑on experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 2 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.
• Familiarity 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.

Benefits

• 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