Thin Films Process Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Why You’ll Love Working Here

Competitive Pay: $20 - $27/hour (at Tech I Level)

Benefits and Work/Life Balance: 

-     Robust Medical, Dental and Vision for employees with generous employer contribution

-     Company paid Short/Long Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance

-     401k with up to 4% employer match

-     Generous PTO and Sick Time accrual

-     11 paid holidays per year

-     Community garden and fun/engaging, people-first culture

-     The opportunity to be innovative every day and grow with an emerging tech company

-     A fun work environment with regular events and wellness opportunities

About the Opportunity

At Ascent, our technicians are the heart of what we do and what we build. Technicians are responsible for operating one of the machines we utilize to manufacture our solar cells, including handling basic troubleshooting of the equipment and performing routine maintenance. 

What You’ll Do

• Day-to-day operation and sustaining of equipment; including vacuum deposition and sputtering tools, and/or wet chemical deposition equipment.
• Work closely with process engineers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and management to ensure proper tool performance.
• Provide cross-team support as requested by management.
• Parts tracking and inventory control to achieve maximum uptime.
• Analyze tool data log activities and make recommendations in collaboration with stakeholders to identify and implement process improvements.
• Work closely with Safety team to ensure regulatory compliance of tool.
• Support the handling of hazardous waste material in accordance with federal, state and local regulations; individuals will be trained (upon hire and annually) for the requirements of safe handling and proper disposal of any material deemed to be hazardous and the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for this activity.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Advanced responsibilities (for Tech II or higher distinction) include: (Yields premium pay per table below)
• Prior experience working in a relevant field
• Subject matter expertise in one or more systems or tools in the manufacturing process
•  Advanced troubleshooting/problem solving capabilities
• Proficiency in navigating, following and developing SOPs with the ability to mentor others on those SOP’s

• Experience working in a manufacturing environment where you were responsible for operating tools and following defined procedures for doing so.
• Possess understanding of mechanics, electronics and/or electro-mechanics along with general troubleshooting skills.
• Experience in operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing equipment is highly preferred.
• Must be detail-oriented and able to work autonomously with minimal direction/supervision.
• Ability to read and interpret electro-mechanical schematics.
• Ability to learn and execute defined procedures and processes carefully, accurately, and legibly.
• Good understanding of safety protocol working with and around toxic/hazardous materials.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and professionally in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to comply with safety procedures, including use of PPE.
• Authorization to work in the U.S.; sponsorship will not be available.
• Occasionally stand, walk, bend over, reach overhead, crouch, kneel, balance, grasp, push or pull, talk and/or hear and see.
• Wear position specific PPE up to and including protective eyewear and footwear, a respirator and/or full body protective suit for an entire shift.
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in an environment with elevated noise levels and/or to wear ear protection.

Who We Are

At Ascent Solar, we are driven by innovation and a commitment to a sustainable future. Our mission is to pioneer the development of lightweight, durable, and flexible thin-film photovoltaic cells that seamlessly integrate into our customers' designs, from satellites to agrivoltaic systems and beyond. As a team of world-class engineers, thought leaders, and risk-takers, we are dedicated to expanding the use case for solar technologies, and reducing reliance on conventional power sources. Through our cutting-edge solutions, we strive to empower a cleaner, greener planet for generations to come.

Our vision at Ascent Solar is to lead the transformation of the global energy landscape by making solar power accessible and integral to all facets of modern life. We envision a world where our innovative thin-film photovoltaic technology powers everything from space exploration to sustainable agriculture, driving a universal shift towards renewable energy. Through relentless innovation and collaboration, we aim to inspire a future where clean, reliable solar energy is the cornerstone of a sustainable planet.

Ascent Solar is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer committed to finding the best people from all walks of life and creating a diverse and inclusive workspace, where everyone is welcomed and valued for their unique contribution to our team!