Sr. Solar Cell Reliability Engineer (Starlink)

About the role

SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make human life on Mars possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human exploration of the stars. Starlink is a key part of this effort, providing fast, reliable internet to those who need it most through a constellation of advanced satellites. We are looking for a Sr. Solar Cell Reliability Engineer to own the reliability lab and the end-to-end reliability story for our solar cells in space.

Responsibilities

• Own and operate the solar cell reliability lab: equipment strategy, capability roadmap, calibration, maintenance, safety, throughput, and data integrity for HJT cell and coupon reliability testing
• Define, execute, and continuously improve the space reliability test matrix for HJT solar cells
• Build and own the reliability narrative for flight and program reviews: failure modes, physics of failure, acceleration models, life predictions, margins, and acceptance/qualification logic
• Partner with HJT process and equipment engineering to link process parameters, metrology, and in-line defects to reliability outcomes
• Establish reliability gates for process changes, tool qualifications, material substitutions, and supplier changes
• Develop and maintain test methods, SOPs, fixturing, and automation for high-throughput, statistically defensible reliability characterization
• Lead root cause analysis on reliability failures using various failure-analysis techniques
• Define and track reliability KPIs and report status to leadership with clear recommendations
• Interface with power systems, structures, thermal, radiation effects, quality, and flight reliability teams
• Mentor technicians and junior engineers and set lab culture for rigor, speed, and honest interpretation of data

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline and 5+ years of experience in chemical engineering, materials science, electrical engineering, physics, or mechanical engineering.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, environmental, or related technical discipline
• 7+ years of hands-on experience in solar cell, PV module, semiconductor device, or aerospace hardware reliability
• Experience designing, running, or analyzing accelerated environmental or reliability tests and interpreting degradation / failure data
• Proficiency with data analysis and comfort with statistics
• Ability to work full-time on-site in a production and lab environment
• Strong understanding of vacuum systems, plasma physics, sputtering dynamics, and thin-film characterization techniques
• Hands-on experience with PV metrology tools and reliability testing
• Experience with SPC, DoE, and lean manufacturing principles
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

Additional Requirements

Ability to travel frequently for work, lift 25 lbs. unassisted, and work in a environment that requires lifting, standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying. Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee under 8 U.S.C.1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C.1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.