Chemical Process Engineer
Solestial
Company Overview
Solestial
HeadquartersTempe, AZ, United States
Founded2013
SizeApproximately 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 a Chemical Process Engineer, you will support and develop electroplating and wet chemical processes used in the manufacturing of Solestial's solar cells and modules. This role will be responsible for maintaining existing copper plating operations while leading the development, scale-up, and deployment of new nickel and gold plating processes.
You will work closely with Manufacturing, Equipment Engineering, Process Engineering, and Product Development teams to improve process capability, yield, throughput, and reliability. This role will also support wastewater treatment systems and help ensure safe, compliant operation of chemical processes across multiple manufacturing areas.
This is a hands-on engineering role that combines process development, manufacturing support, troubleshooting, and scale-up of new technologies.
Your Mission
- Support and optimize electroplating processes used in solar cell manufacturing.
- Develop, characterize, and scale new nickel and gold plating processes for production.
- Support existing copper plating operations and continuous process improvement efforts.
- Design and execute experiments to improve process performance, yield, and reliability.
- Monitor critical process parameters and implement process controls to ensure consistent results.
- Analyze process data and present findings to technical and manufacturing teams.
- Troubleshoot process excursions, yield issues, and equipment-related challenges.
- Partner with Manufacturing and Equipment Engineering teams to improve throughput and operational efficiency.
- Support installation, qualification, and ramp-up of new plating equipment and process lines.
- Develop and maintain process documentation, operating procedures, work instructions, and training materials.
- Support operation and continuous improvement of wastewater treatment systems associated with manufacturing operations.
- Train operators and manufacturing personnel on process requirements and best practices.
- Follow safety requirements and contribute to a safe, organized, and compliant manufacturing environment.
What You Bring
- Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related technical field.
- Experience working with electrochemical, electroplating, wet chemistry, semiconductor, photovoltaic, or related manufacturing processes.
- Strong understanding of process development, process control, and manufacturing scale-up.
- Experience troubleshooting complex process and equipment issues.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience analyzing process data and communicating technical findings.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Ability to work safely around chemicals and manufacturing equipment.
What Gives You an Edge
- Experience with copper, nickel, gold, or other metal plating processes.
- Experience supporting semiconductor, photovoltaic, PCB, advanced packaging, or electronics manufacturing.
- Experience with wastewater treatment systems or industrial chemical waste handling.
- Experience with statistical process control (SPC), design of experiments (DOE), and yield improvement methodologies.
- Experience transferring processes from development into manufacturing environments.
- Experience working in cleanroom or high-reliability manufacturing environments.
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!
Apply now
Job expired?Please let Solestial know you found this job on Rejobs. It helps us grow and get more people working in renewable energy.
Apply now
Job expired?Please let Solestial know you found this job on Rejobs. It helps us grow and get more people working in renewable energy.
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About the role
August 5, 2026
August 5, 2026
Full time
On-site
Company
- Tempe, Arizona, United States
Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field with experience in related processes.
UTC-07:00
