Solar Panel Test Engineer

AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.

Position Overview

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a hands-on and highly analytical Solar Panel Test Engineer to support the performance, stability, and continuous improvement of solar panel production test systems in a high-volume manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for the setup, qualification, maintenance, and optimization of solar panel test stations, ensuring accurate product validation and production readiness.

The Solar Panel Test Engineer will lead test equipment configuration, operator test procedures, electrical performance analysis, AM0 power measurements, Electroluminescence (EL) inspections, Infrared Thermography (IRT) testing, and root cause corrective actions for hardware and software failures. This position partners closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Automation, and Operations teams to support efficient, automated, mass-production operations while maintaining high product quality and test integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, qualify, operate, and maintain solar panel test equipment and production test stations, including EL (Electroluminescence), IRT (Infrared Thermography), IV/Power, and AM0 test systems.
• Analyze solar panel test performance data, including EL results, IRT imagery, power measurements, yield performance, and defect trends.
• Define, monitor, and report key test performance metrics including First Pass Yield (FPY), throughput, test cycle time, retest rates, yield trends, and equipment availability.
• Lead Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations for recurring hardware, software, and process-related failures.
• Troubleshoot sensors, cameras, light sources, power supplies, instrumentation, cabling, connectors, fixtures, conveyors, and software-related issues to minimize production downtime.
• Develop and maintain test procedures, work instructions, troubleshooting guides, and operator training materials.
• Collaborate with Software Engineering teams to develop Python-based tools for data extraction, analysis, reporting, automation, and failure investigation.
• Query, manage, and analyze test data within database systems to support traceability, yield analysis, and reporting initiatives.
• Support equipment calibration, verification activities, preventive maintenance programs, and golden sample validation processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on test efficiency, data integrity, automation, and process stability.
• Support integration of test stations with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and automated production line controls.
• Collaborate with R&D, New Product Introduction (NPI), Quality, Manufacturing, and Operations teams during product development, process changes, and production ramp activities.
• Document failures, corrective actions, lessons learned, and process improvements.
• Maintain compliance with company quality standards, manufacturing procedures, and safety requirements.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Equivalent combination of education and demonstrated hands-on engineering experience may be considered.

Experience

• 3+ years of experience as a Test Engineer, Process Engineer, Equipment Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, or similar role in electronics, solar, semiconductor, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting automated high-volume manufacturing operations.
• Practical experience with solar panel, photovoltaic (PV), electronics, or electrical testing systems preferred.
• Experience utilizing Python for data analysis, reporting, automation, or test development.
• Working knowledge of database systems and SQL for data analysis and reporting.
• Experience supporting manufacturing equipment troubleshooting, calibration, and maintenance activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with photovoltaic (PV) modules, solar panel assembly, or renewable energy products.
• Experience supporting NPI, manufacturing scale-up, and production ramp activities.
• Experience with automated vision inspection systems, EL imaging systems, or thermal imaging technologies.
• Familiarity with MES platforms, manufacturing automation systems, and industrial controls.
• Experience supporting Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement initiatives.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and data-driven problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to develop technical documentation and operator instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Ability to work independently and effectively manage multiple priorities.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Ability to perform effectively in fast-paced production environments.

Technology Stack

• Python
• SQL and database management systems
• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
• Electroluminescence (EL) inspection systems
• Infrared Thermography (IRT) systems
• IV/Power and AM0 solar panel test equipment
• Microsoft Excel (data analysis and reporting)
• Microsoft Teams and Office Suite
• Industrial automation and production test systems
• Reporting and KPI dashboard tools

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and work on manufacturing and production floors for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and move equipment, fixtures, and materials up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work in ESD-controlled manufacturing, laboratory, and production environments.
• Ability to inspect equipment, access test stations, and support troubleshooting activities throughout manufacturing operations.
• Flexibility to support extended schedules, shift coverage, and critical production activities during ramp-up periods.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), or possess legal authorization to work in the United States.

AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.