Solar Module Manufacturing Manager

The Company

Solestial is pioneering the future of space-based solar power by developing advanced solar technologies optimized for the harsh conditions of space. Our innovative, low-cost, and scalable solar arrays are engineered for next-generation satellites, spacecraft, and orbital infrastructure. We are driven by a mission to power the space economy and unlock limitless opportunities in orbit and beyond. 

The Role: As a Solar Module Manufacturing Manager, you will lead the team responsible for production of solar modules at Solestial. You will be accountable for daily operations, meeting production goals, maintaining product quality, and ensuring a safe and professional work environment. Your team will be comprised of 6–15 process engineers and technicians, and your daily duties will include scheduling and running production, leading process improvements related to scaling production, managing inventory movement, procurement of essential materials, and technician training and development. You will work in direct collaboration with manufacturing process engineers who are focused on process improvements, yield improvements, and new tool introduction. This collaboration will support transforming processes and products from the R&D teams to the production teams. As the company continues to grow and starts the transition to a new, automated, high-volume manufacturing line, you will transition to leading a team of 10–50 running high-volume production of solar modules.

Your Mission Plan, execute, and lead baseline processes for pilot production builds

Optimize process steps to minimize yield loss

Partner with process engineers to maintain equipment performance

Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and documentation

Transition processes to large-scale production tools as they are developed

Coordinate with material vendors to support production schedules

Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities

Train technicians and future tool operators

Uphold safety standards and proactively prevent incidents

Maintain a clean and organized work environment

Develop a strong understanding of end-to-end solar cell and module processes and design features

Work in collaboration with other process leads to achieve required performance specifications, including efficiency, cost, and reliability

Contribute to the development of processes to scale the production of solar modules and the integration of these modules into customer developed packages

What You Bring Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related fields

10+ years of proven experience in engineering or manufacturing roles, with a strong technical background

3+ years of management experience

Ability to work in a Class 10,000 clean room environment

Ability to conduct PV cell and module processing while wearing the necessary PPE

Ability to work in a dynamic environment

Strong analytical skills, including basic data analysis and presentation, with clear communication

Strong people leadership, coaching, and communication skills

Collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to working with others and solving problems

Previous experience with photovoltaic solar modules or flexible circuits (R&D, manufacturing, reliability) is a strong plus

Our Benefits Competitive compensation — 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

401(k) with employer match up to 4% of salary

Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability and employer-sponsored life insurance

Your work will literally go to space!