PV Manufacturing Manager
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 PV Module Manufacturing Engineer/Manager you will be leading the team running pilot production of solar blankets at Solestial. You will be responsible for daily operations, meeting production goals, maintaining product quality and ensuring a safe and professional work environment. Your team will be comprised of 2-10 engineers and technicians and your daily duties will include running pilot production lots at Solestial solar blanket pilot line, leading process improvements, characterizing materials and devices, collecting and sharing the data with your teammates, and encouraging your team to achieve production goals. You will work in direct collaboration with Solar Cell Production, Product, and R&D 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 mass production of solar blankets.
Specific Responsibilities to Include: Run baseline recipes for pilot production lots
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
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 (efficiency, cost, reliability)
Your Background: Bachelor degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or related fields.
10+ years proven experience in engineering 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 & module processing wearing the necessary PPE.
Ability to work in a dynamic environment.
Strong analytical skills, basic data analysis and presentation, clear communication.
Good mentoring and communications skills.
Team player.
Positive attitude.
Previous experience with photovoltaic solar modules or flexible circuits (R&D, manufacturing, reliability) is a strong plus.
Other 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
401K 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!
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.