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Materials R&D Technician, Solar Cell Characterization

SpaceX· Materials Engineering - Starlink Materials
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Bastrop, TXFull-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

SpaceX is hiring a Materials R&D Technician for solar cell characterization to support insourced solar cell development for Starlink. The role involves setting up lab equipment, performing metrology and characterization tests on solar cells, ensuring data quality, and supporting root-cause analysis to improve performance and yield for high-volume manufacturing.

Responsibilities

  • Partner with engineering to bring online and perform solar cell metrology and materials characterization testing of insourced cells
  • Execute routine and non-routine electrical, optical, and materials measurements on wafers and solar cells (e.g., I-V, PL/EL imaging, lifetime, optical inspection, microscopy, and related techniques)
  • Prepare samples for characterization and failure analysis, including sectioning, polishing, coating, and chemical processing as required
  • Drive equipment setup, calibration, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and tool matching so metrology data is accurate and repeatable
  • Collect, organize, and report high-quality data to support DOEs, process trials, and root cause analysis of performance and yield issues
  • Support engineering on failure analysis of underperforming or failed cells; flag anomalies, preserve evidence, and help close the loop to process owners
  • Safely handle chemicals and adhere to all EHS protocols to maintain a safe work environment
  • Ensure 5S standards and cleanroom/lab protocols are upheld by maintaining a clean and organized work area
  • Follow and help refine SOPs, travelers, and measurement recipes; train production technicians on metrology methods as processes transfer to manufacturing

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalency certification
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in metrology, materials characterization, semiconductor; or working in a photovoltaic laboratory or characterization in a manufacturing environment
  • Experience handling flammable, toxic, corrosive, and/or hazardous chemicals safely

Skills

Required:Solar cell metrology and materials characterizationSample preparation and failure analysis
Nice to have:Data collection and analysis

Benefits

  • [Not specified in the description]
Last updated Sep 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

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