Solestial

Facilities Manager

Join Solestial in Tempe, Arizona as a Facilities Manager overseeing solar cell manufacturing infrastructure. Manage HVAC, utilities, and maintenance while ensuring safety and compliance. Enjoy competitive pay, excellent benefits, and the unique chance to support space-based solar power technology.
Solestial
Solestial
Tempe, Arizona, United States On-site Full time USD 120k–140k yearly UTC-07:00

Solestial

Company Overview

Solestial

Tempe, AZ, United States

2013

Approximately 1,100 employees (source: asu.edu). Revenue figures are not disclosed as it is a private company (source: solestial.com).

What They Do

Solestial specializes in silicon photovoltaics engineered specifically for space applications, focusing on the development of radiation-hardened solar cells, modules, and arrays designed for satellites and spacecraft (source: solestial.com). Their core technology features ultrathin, flexible silicon heterojunction solar cells that achieve efficiencies of up to 20%, with a Generation 2 product expected to be available in 2026 (source: solestial.com). These innovative cells are capable of self-annealing radiation damage at operating temperatures as low as 65°C, a significant advancement over traditional silicon cells that typically degrade in high-radiation environments (source: satnow.com). Solestial's product offerings include individual solar cells, flexible solar power modules, and complete solar arrays, all designed to meet the needs of various satellite constellations and missions (source: solestial.com). Their target markets encompass commercial satellite constellations in low Earth orbit (LEO), smallsats, CubeSats, and even lunar settlements, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional III-V multijunction cells (source: satnow.com).

Projects & Track Record

While Solestial has not yet completed any fully operational flight projects, they have secured over $7 million in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts from notable organizations such as NASA and the National Science Foundation (source: satnow.com). Recently, they were awarded a $1.2 million Direct-to-Phase II SpaceWERX contract to develop a rapidly manufacturable 1 kW solar array wing for U.S. Space Force small satellites, showcasing their innovative approach to solar technology (source: satnow.com). Ongoing projects include scaling their second-generation solar cells for flight deployments by late 2025, with production ramping to 1 MW/year through a partnership with Meyer Burger (source: solestial.com). Their key clients include EnduroSat AD, with whom they have a sales agreement for radiation-hardened modules on satellites launching in 2026, and DCUBED, with whom they debuted a new solar array product at the Space Tech Expo (source: solestial.com).

Recent Developments

In October 2025, Solestial announced a significant sales agreement with EnduroSat AD to supply radiation-hardened silicon solar power modules for next-generation satellites set to launch in 2026 (source: solestial.com). Earlier, in August 2024, they entered into a strategic manufacturing partnership with Meyer Burger, aiming to scale production to over 1 MW/year of ultra-thin cells and modules by mid-2025 (source: solestial.com). Additionally, Solestial received a $1.2 million SpaceWERX Direct-to-Phase II contract for a 1 kW smallsat solar array wing, further solidifying their position in the space solar market (source: satnow.com). The company also achieved a significant milestone when the CEA validated their low-temperature radiation-curing technology, confirming its effectiveness in self-recovery at operating temperatures (source: solestial.com).

Working There

Solestial is focused on fostering innovation-driven growth, particularly in roles related to manufacturing, research and development, engineering, and operations to support the rapid scaling of solar cell and module production at their Tempe facility (source: solestial.com). The company is actively hiring for positions at their headquarters and the newly opened Warner manufacturing plant, with a focus on mass-producing thin wafers, cell metallization, and module integration (source: solestial.com). Departments likely include solar cell engineering, module assembly, quality testing, and business development, reflecting their roots in advanced research from Arizona State University (source: asu.edu). The company culture is characterized by a dynamic growth environment and a relentless pursuit of innovation, with team members sharing a passion for solar technology and collaboration with customers (source: solestial.com). While specific benefits are not detailed in available sources, the careers section invites individuals passionate about space solar innovation to join their team (source: solestial.com).


Last updated on Feb 23, 2026 | Report an issue

Solestial is pioneering the future of space-based solar power by developing advanced solar technologies optimized for the harsh conditions of space. Our innovative, low-cost, and scalable solar arrays are engineered for next-generation satellites, spacecraft, and orbital infrastructure. We are driven by a mission to power the space economy and unlock limitless opportunities in orbit and beyond.

As the Facilities Manager you will be responsible for the entire Solestial solar cell and solar module FAB infrastructure including HVAC, DI water, electricity, process gasses, compressed air, exhaust, chemical storage, and waste treatment. You will be working in close collaboration with equipment and production teams to install, hook up, and commission processing equipment for solar cell and module manufacturing. You'll be working with contractors, utilities, landlords, and local regulators to manage facilities budget and supervise maintenance engineers to ensure smooth operation.

This is a great opportunity to join a supportive, mission-driven team at an exciting stage of growth!

Specific Responsibilities to Include

  • Ensure the safety, reliability, and availability of facilities equipment and infrastructure for our manufacturing and R&D facilities in compliance with all regulatory codes and applicable rules.
  • Manage all building infrastructure including repairs, maintenance, and upgrades.
  • Establish facilities procedures and ensure they are followed.
  • Responsible for all drawings, layouts, diagrams, and blueprints for the facilities.
  • Source, negotiate, and coordinate the work with contractors and suppliers.
  • Maintain facilities budget and ensure the expenditures are in agreement with the budget.
  • Responsible for obtaining/maintaining required permits for equipment installation, building modifications, etc.
  • Maintaining compliance with federal/state/county/city regulations including filing of required reports, environmental reports, and other documents.
  • Provide efficient communication with key stakeholders of all issues that may affect facilities operation, process tool operation, or the ability to meet production goals.
  • Assist team as needed in the following: maintenance, troubleshooting and repair in a safe manner consistent with established procedures; routine preventive maintenance in a timely manner; troubleshooting and repair of equipment in a timely manner.
  • Support manufacturing operations through equipment installations, relocations, and infrastructure upgrades in an active production environment.
  • Assist with the commissioning an decommissioning of manufacturing equipment, including coordinating utility connections such as electrical, compressed air, and process water connections.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in Facilities Management in an industrial setting.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing equipment installation and commissioning processes.
  • Read and understand technical drawings, schematics, or work orders to complete facility projects accurately
  • Ability to perform skilled general maintenance and repairs across the facility, including plumbing, electrical, drywall, and painting.
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems; you can diagnose and resolve common issues independently without waiting for a specialist.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience managing facilities for semiconductor manufacturing including solar, ICs and PCBs.
  • Demonstrated experience setting up new facilities and production lines.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Team player.
  • Ability to work in a fast changing environment with multiple tasks going in parallel.
  • Ability to proactively troubleshoot and solve problems in a short period of time.
  • Facility startup experience.
  • Received training and/or certification such as OSHA HAZWOPER 8/24/40, OSHA 10/30 and others
  • Experience managing service providers and contractors.

Our Benefits

  • Competitive compensation - we want you to grow with us
  • Generous, high-quality medical, dental, and vision coverage on day one of employment
  • 15 vacation days, 5 sick days, and 10 paid holidays annually - with an extended holiday break at year's end
  • 401K with employer match up to 4% of salary
  • Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability and employer-sponsored life insurance
  • Your work will literally go to space!

Please note: this is an onsite role at our Tempe, AZ office

$120,000 - $140,000 a year

Apply now

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About the role

June 4, 2026

Full time

Company

June 5, 2026

On-site

USD 120k–140k yearly

Solar Energy

Solestial

solestial.com

  •  Tempe, Arizona, United States

Minimum of 7 years in Facilities Management

UTC-07:00