Solar Cell Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SpaceX is seeking a highly motivated Equipment Engineering Manager to lead the development, installation, qualification, and sustainment of advanced manufacturing equipment for our next‑generation solar cell production lines. In this role, you will drive equipment strategy, reliability, and performance to enable high‑volume, high‑efficiency solar cell manufacturing that supports SpaceX’s energy goals. Your scope will span initial factory turn‑on, execution of ambitious factory ramps, and driving of equipment strategy to support continuous solar cell technology and performance improvements.

• Grow, lead, and mentor a team of equipment engineers responsible for solar cell manufacturing tools including wet chemical benches, PECVD deposition systems, PVD/sputtering tools, metrology/inspection systems, and beyond
• Own equipment lifecycle management from installation and process qualification through high‑volume production, including preventive maintenance strategies, spare parts optimization, and continuous improvement of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Drive root‑cause analysis and corrective actions for equipment downtime, yield excursions, and process drift using structured problem‑solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, FMEA, DOE).
• Collaborate with process engineering, manufacturing, and facilities teams to define equipment specifications, acceptance criteria, and capacity expansion roadmaps for solar cell technologies
• Develop and execute equipment roadmaps that improve throughput, reduce cost per watt, and increase cell efficiency while maintaining world‑class uptime
• Establish and enforce equipment safety, cleanroom protocols, and change control processes in a high‑volume semiconductor‑style manufacturing environment.
• Partner with vendors and internal SpaceX designers to evaluate, qualify, and integrate new equipment platforms and drive performance improvements on existing tools
• Track and report key performance metrics (MTBF, MTTR, yield impact, cost of ownership) to senior leadership and drive data‑driven decisions
• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities by ensuring equipment is ready for pilot and ramp phases of next‑generation cell architectures

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, or materials science
• 5+ years of experience in equipment engineering or maintenance in a high‑volume manufacturing environment (semiconductor, solar, or related industry)
• 5+ years of experience managing or leading a team of engineers
• Experience with thin‑film deposition, vacuum systems, or wet processing equipment

• Experience specifically with silicon solar cell manufacturing equipment, processes, chemicals, and gases
• Strong background in semiconductor equipment (PECVD, PVD, ALD, etch, or CMP) or photovoltaic production lines
• Machine design and/or manufacturing background with proven track record of going from idea to working system
• Proven track record of improving equipment availability, reducing cost of ownership, and scaling manufacturing capacity
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC), data analytics platforms, and equipment automation (SECS/GEM, PLCs, SCADA)
• Knowledge of cleanroom operations, contamination control, and safety standards in a high‑tech manufacturing setting
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills

• Must be willing to work extended hours and long weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affinitive Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.