Solestial

Mass-produced silicon solar panels for space

PECVD/PVD Process Technician - Solar Cell Manufacturing

Machine & Process OperationConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeTempe, AZ, USANo salary listed

About the Job

Requirements

A high school diploma or GED is required.
Ability to work in a clean room environment.
Ability to work in a dynamic environment and comply with all safety standards and procedures.
Ability to lift heavy objects and spend most of the work period processing production lots, with extended periods of sitting or standing.
Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Available to work Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Responsibilities

Operate tools and equipment safely to maintain quality and fulfill orders as directed by a supervisor.
Perform assigned duties in accordance with training, written procedures, and direction from team members and a supervisor.
Interact with equipment to monitor parameters and alarms.
Characterize partially processed solar cells using Sinton lifetime, photoluminescence, and other methods.
Monitor process data and make decisions according to procedures to maintain process control; collect process data and maintain work records as directed by the supervisor.
Recognize conditions that require escalation and communicate issues and recommendations.
Collaborate with solar cell engineers on problem solving.
Communicate with team members and leadership during shift changes.
Work in a research and development manufacturing environment, often without direct supervision.
Perform mechanical maintenance using hand tools and measurement devices on the large-scale manufacturing line.
Follow safety requirements, prevent accidents, and maintain a clean work environment.
Operate PECVD/PVD equipment, run baseline production lots according to documented procedures, troubleshoot tool failures, and assist process engineers in transferring research and development processes to large-scale manufacturing tools.
Perform operational preventative maintenance, diagnose and troubleshoot intermediate-level alarms, run basic quality control procedures, and use simple hand tools and systems during floor operations.

Desired Qualifications

An Associate of Science degree or certification in a STEM program is preferred.
Previous experience working in a clean room environment in production or research and development is preferred.
Experience operating PECVD/PVD equipment or using other vacuum deposition techniques is preferred.
Experience manufacturing solar cells or electronics is preferred.

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 PECVD/PVD Technician at Solestial you will be responsible for operating PECVD/PVD equipment at Solestial and will assist in transitioning PECVD/PVD processes to a new mass production line. This will include safely operating R&D equipment to run baseline production lots according to documented procedures, troubleshooting tool failures, and assisting process engineers with transferring R&D PECVD/PVD processes to large-scale manufacturing tools. For our large-scale manufacturing line, technicians will be performing operational preventative maintenance on the equipment, diagnosing and troubleshooting intermediate-level alarms, running basic quality control procedures, and working with simple hand tools and systems during floor operations.

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:

Available to work Monday-Friday, 8am - 4pm.
Operate tools and equipment safely to maintain quality and fulfill orders per direction of supervisor.
Perform assigned job duties in accordance with training, written procedures, and with direction provided by team members and supervisor.
Interact with equipment to monitor parameters and alarms.
Characterize partially processed solar cells (Sinton lifetime, photoluminescence, etc.).
Monitor process data & make decisions based on procedures to maintain process control. Collect process data and maintain a record of work at the direction of the supervisor.
Recognize conditions that require escalation and provide good communication on issues and recommendations.
Collaborate with the solar cell engineers on problem solving.
Provide good communication with team members and leadership during shift changes.
Work in a R&D manufacturing environment, often without direct supervision.
Perform mechanical maintenance activities utilizing hand tools and measurement devices in our large-scale manufacturing line.
Follow safety requirements and prevent accidents.
Maintain clean work environment.
Other duties as assigned.

Your Background:

High school diploma or GED.
Associates of Science degree or Certification in a STEM program preferred.
Ability to work in clean room environment.
Ability to work in a dynamic environment.
Ability to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
Ability to lift heavy objects, and spend the majority of time processing production lots in an environment where sitting/standing is required for extended periods of time.
Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, clear communication.
Positive attitude.
A preferred candidate will have previous experience:
Working in a clean room environment (production or R&D)
PECVD / PVD Operation or other vacuum deposition techniques
Manufacturing Solar cell or electronics

Our Benefits:

Competitive salary + equity - 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 impact will extend beyond our labs - supporting production of solar technology that literally goes to space.

About the Company

Solestial

Mass-produced silicon solar panels for space

Solestial develops silicon-based solar panels for space, focusing on low-cost, high-efficiency, radiation-hardened power sources for satellites. Its panels are designed for easy integration into diverse satellite architectures and are produced at scale via a proprietary manufacturing process. This makes the technology cheaper and more scalable than traditional space solar options, helping satellite manufacturers and operators in both private and public sectors reduce power costs. The company aims to disrupt the space power market by offering affordable, scalable solar solutions that enable new space-based services and applications.

Company size: 11-50
Company stage: Grant
Total funding: $29.1M
Headquarters: Tempe, AZ
Founded: 2013

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