Materials & Processes Engineer

Job Description

Solestial, Inc. is the solar energy company for space. Solestial’s core technology is a breakthrough ultra-thin silicon solar cell that can self-cure radiation damage at normal operating temperatures in space, packaged in a flexible, lightweight panel designed to achieve minimum degradation for up to 10 years in LEO. Solestial panels can be mass-produced using automated machines resulting in costs 90% lower than incumbent technologies, with virtually unlimited manufacturing capacity. From today’s satellite constellations and research projects to tomorrow’s utility-scale energy infrastructure and services in space, Solestial is powering the new space economy.

As the Materials & Processes Engineer you will be at the forefront of Solestial manufacturing development methods. You will work independently and demonstrate expertise in developing and implementing materials and processes solutions to ensure the successful implementation and performance of Solestial’s solar modules.

This is an exciting position as part of a positive, supportive, and passionate team! A competitive compensation package, including equity and full benefits (see below), will be offered.

Specific Responsibilities to Include

• Develop and implement conventional and cutting edge materials and process solutions to meet the requirements of solar modules, ensuring successful qualifications and performance.
• Lead the evaluation and selection of materials to meet design specifications, with a focus on polymers, adhesives, thermal interface materials, and insulation materials relevant to solar module systems.
• Create internal material specifications and develop process specifications that support manufacturing processes and ensure high-quality solar modules.
• Take the lead in coordinating testing activities, including method development, materials characterization, allowable generation, design validation, and hardware certification.
• Assist in supplier selection, development, qualifications, and ongoing evaluations and improvements to ensure the availability of high-quality materials for solar module production.
• Contribute to the development of requirements and standard methodologies for solar module materials and processes, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.

Your Background

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in materials and processes engineering, preferably in the space or solar energy industry.
• Strong knowledge and experience in materials selection, characterization, and testing - with an emphasis on polymers, adhesives, thermal interface materials, and insulation materials.
• Experience developing internal material specifications and process specifications in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in coordinating testing activities and managing testing programs for materials and processes.
• Familiarity with supplier selection, development, and evaluation processes.

Our Benefits

• Generous, high-quality medical, dental and vision coverage on day one of employment
• A minimum of 20 days PTO and 10 paid holidays annually
• 401K with employer match up to 4% of salary
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability and employer-sponsored life insurance

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