Head of Solar Cell and Module Manufacturing

4 months ago
Full time role
In-person · Tempe, AZ, US · Chandler, AZ, US... more
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 modules designed to achieve minimum degradation for up to 10 years in LEO.  Solestial solar modules 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 Head of Solar Cell and Module Manufacturing you will be responsible for the production of solar cells and modules at Solestial Tempe, AZ production line. This will include overseeing all phases of production from sourcing starting materials through packaging and shipping the final product. You will be responsible for training and managing manufacturing team, maintaining production tools, implementing quality control, improving production yields, establishing safety protocols and timely product delivery. This role will oversee four department managers (solar cell manufacturing, solar module manufacturing, planning and supply chain, and equipment maintenance) and will be reporting to the CTO. We are looking for an exceptional people's leader and industry expert with more than 10 years of experience leading manufacturing teams in solar, semiconductor or PCB industries.

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:

  • Lead the team of engineers and technicians to meet Solestial manufacturing goals.
  • Train team members, provide the means for constant skill development and motivate personal improvements.
  • Establish an excellent safety record and maintain a culture where safety is a top priority.
  • Meet company quality and schedule goals to ensure timely delivery of high performing product to the customers.
  • Oversee supply chain organization to ensure timely delivery of quality materials.
  • Oversee equipment maintenance team to avoid equipment downtime and ensure process quality.
  • In charge of all aspects of manufacturing from receiving and inspection the starting silicon wafers to testing and shipping the final solar modules.
  • Execute Solestial baseline manufacturing flow to fabricate thin solar cells and modules.
  • Work with the Head of Quality to ensure product quality is met and yield losses are minimized.
  • Work in close collaboration with R&D Department to transfer new processes, materials and design in production.
  • Continuously looking for improvements to minimize manufacturing cost, improve yields and reduce equipment down time.
  • Provide regular production status updates to working groups, management and in support of progress reports.

Your Background:

  • Bachelors degree in engineering or physical science field. Masters or PHD Preferred.
  • Solid technical background with 10+ years in solar, semiconductor or PCB industries.
  • +5 years experience leading manufacturing teams (ideally >10 people)
  • Knowledge of semiconductor process steps including wet etching, vacuum deposition, laser scribing, laser film ablation, photolithography and electroplating.
  • Familiarity with silicon solar cell and solar module manufacturing processes is a strong plus.
  • Proven leadership skills and ability to manage large teams of engineers and technicians.
  • Problem-solving mindset, ability to diagnose and solve production related problems associated with materials, equipment, people and facilities.
  • Ability to disseminate complicated technical information in emails, slides and verbally.
  • Process-oriented, flexible with change, comfortable working in a less-structured startup environment

Our Benefits:

  • A competitive compensation package including equity
  • 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
  • A positive, supportive, and passionate team!