The Company:
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.
The Role:
As a Laser Processing Engineer you will be working with solar module engineers on developing novel solar module processing tools from concept to completion. You will start working at Solestial’s R&D pilot line and will develop pilot scale processing tools. You will also transition the developed processes and tools to a new automated mass production line. Specifically, the laser processing engineer will aid in development of peripheral laser equipment and will assist in design elements of any mechanical systems necessary to integrate any and all laser equipment for cell or module production. This includes, but is not limited to: vacuum chuck design, XYZ chuck systems, peripheral handling equipment for specific laser tool, alignment tools, among others. Basic understanding of software/hardware design elements such as limit and safety switches is necessary.
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:
- Obtain tooling and process requirements from the solar module engineering team.
- Develop tool designs and implement them in CAD drawings.
- Prepare CAD drawings per machine shop requirements.
- Fabricate and start up the tools, develop process recipes.
- Follow company documentation requirements.
- Occasionally assist with other tasks and running production lots.
- Work in close collaboration with all solar cell and solar module engineers to improve the performance of solar modules.
- Work with automation equipment manufacturers to transition the developed tools and processes to a new mass production line.
- Create SOPs and train tool operators.
- Follow safety requirements and prevent accidents.
- Maintain a clean work environment.
Your Background:
- Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or related fields.
- Knowledge of CAD systems (SolidWorks or AutoCAD preferred).
- Demonstrated ability to build new processing tools from scratch.
- Ability to work in a class 1,000 clean room environment.
- Ability to work in a dynamic environment.
- Strong analytical skills, basic data analysis and presentation, clear communication.
- Positive attitude.
Preferred Qualifications
- While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following -
- Ph.D. and 1 year of directly related experience.
- Experience operating laser manufacturing equipment.
- Experience with building linear mechanical systems (3D printers, CNCs, lasers, etc.)
- Understanding of laser/material interaction.
- Experience with ultrafast lasers for manufacturing.
- Experience with laser galvanometers and optics.
- Experience with Direct Machine Control software.
- Experience in performing image analysis.
- Basic understanding of computer programming - C languages, and/or Python
- Basic understanding of sensors and data acquisition.
- Experience performing design of experiments (DOE’s) and statistical analysis.
- Leadership experience.
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
