Process Technician - Solar Module Manufacturing

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 Process Technician at Solestial you will be responsible for building solar modules according to baseline processes. This will include both manual and automated processes, which would require safely operating solar module equipment at the Solestial R&D line. You will also assist engineers in transitioning solar module manufacturing processes to a new mass production line. 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.

Your Mission:

• Build photovoltaic modules

• 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)

• 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

What You Bring:

• High school diploma or GED

• Associates of Science degree or higher in a STEM program preferred

• 3+ years of industry experience

• Hands-on experience assembling small, fragile parts and demonstrated dexterity

• Ability to spend the majority of time manually building modules in an environment where sitting/standing is required for extended periods of time

• Ability to work in a class 1,000 clean room environment

• Ability to work in a dynamic environment

• Ability to comply with all safety standards and procedures

• Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, clear communication

• Positive attitude

• Previous experience working in a clean room environment (production or R&D), as well as, experience in solar or electronic manufacturing is a strong plus.

Our Benefits:

• Generous, high-quality medical, dental, and vision coverage on day one of employment

• PTO of 15 days + annual Holiday Break 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

• Your work will literally go to space!