The opportunity
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.
What you'll do
Partner with solar cell process engineering on PECVD thin films (e.g.,: passivation, anti-reflection, and related dielectric or semiconductor layers), supporting materials characterization, film-property understanding, and production readiness
Execute materials characterization and analysis of plasma-deposited films;: correlate process conditions with thickness, refractive index, composition, lifetime, uniformity, and cell electrical/optical performance, and recommend next steps
Build proficiency with thin-film materials, PECVD-relevant vacuum and plasma: concepts, and lab/metrology methods; consult with senior engineers on higher-impact decisions while independently completing straightforward materials work
Support DOEs and process trials: define materials measurements, collect high-quality data, and help interpret results with process engineering
Support root cause analysis for film, interface, contamination, and yield: issues: design experiments, execute failure analysis with characterization partners, and drive assigned corrective actions to completion with no loose ends
Help define film material requirements, specifications, sampling plans, and: acceptance criteria in partnership with process, quality, and production engineering
What they're looking for
- Document materials results, specifications, and best practices; communicate: status, risks, and recommendations clearly to cross-functional partners and, with support as needed, to leadership
- Identify opportunities to improve film materials performance, yield, cost,: and manufacturability; raise issues early with proposed solutions rather than problems alone
- Support qualification of precursors, consumables, and film stacks, and: production troubleshooting on the manufacturing floor; follow through until work is complete and understood
- Champion a culture of safety and quality in all vacuum, plasma, chemical/gas: handling, lab, and production support activities
