Sr. Materials Engineer, Thin Films

SpaceX
United States
Workplace: OnsiteFull timeFunction: Industrial, Process & Manufacturing EngineeringExperience: 5+ yearsEducation: bachelorsSkills: ["First-principles problem solving","Root cause analysis","Technical communication","Cross-functional collaboration","Bias toward action"]

Partner with solar cell process engineering on PECVD-deposited thin films that set the optical and electrical performance of in-house Starlink cells. Own thin-film materials requirements, characterize plasma-deposited film properties, and lead materials-driven root cause analysis to improve efficiency, yield, reliability, and cost. Execute complex multi-month materials projects, influence cross-functional decisions, mentor engineers, and ensure safety and quality in vacuum and chemical handling environments.

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FursaFursa
SpaceX
SpaceX
12 hours ago

Sr. Materials Engineer, Thin Films

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Job Summary

Partner with solar cell process engineering on PECVD-deposited thin films that set the optical and electrical performance of in-house Starlink cells. Own thin-film materials requirements, characterize plasma-deposited film properties, and lead materials-driven root cause analysis to improve efficiency, yield, reliability, and cost. Execute complex multi-month materials projects, influence cross-functional decisions, mentor engineers, and ensure safety and quality in vacuum and chemical handling environments.
Location: United States
Workplace: Onsite
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Industrial, Process & Manufacturing Engineering
Seniority: Mid level

Key Responsibilities

  • •Partner with solar cell process engineering on PECVD thin films to develop materials requirements, film-property targets, and understanding of deposited film performance in cells.
  • •Build deep technical understanding of plasma-deposited film materials (composition, hydrogen content, density, stress, optical constants, passivation quality, interfaces, reliability) and translate insights into recommendations.
  • •Operate as the technical expert for thin-film materials by applying advanced concepts to complex issues, developing new characterization/evaluation methods as needed, and making high-impact materials decisions.
  • •Set priorities from program needs and execute multiple complex multi-month materials projects in parallel, delivering solved problems and implemented solutions.
  • •Lead structured root cause analysis for materials-limited performance, yield, and reliability issues; correlate process history with metrology (ellipsometry, lifetime/QSSPC-PL, FTIR, SEM, I-V, etc.) and drive corrective actions.
Travel: Medium travel

Key Requirements

  • •Bachelor’s degree in materials science, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or another STEM discipline.
  • •5+ years of professional experience with thin films, PECVD or other vacuum-deposited coatings, or electronic materials in a manufacturing or R&D environment.
  • •Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant STEM discipline (preferred).
  • •Hands-on experience with PECVD-deposited films in semiconductor or solar cell manufacturing (preferred).
  • •Proficiency with thin-film and solar-cell metrology (e.g., spectroscopic ellipsometry, FTIR, SEM-EDS, XPS, QSSPC/PL) and film stress/optical inspection (preferred).
Experience:5+ years
Education:Bachelor's in STEM discipline (materials science, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, physics)
Skills:First-principles problem solvingRoot cause analysisTechnical communicationCross-functional collaborationBias toward action
Languages:English
Tech Stack:PECVDThin filmsPlasma processingVacuum depositionEllipsometryFTIRSEMI-VQSSPC/PLSEM-EDSXPSFour-point probePythonJMPMATLABSiH4NH3N2OTMBPH3

Eligibility

Work Authorization:Authorization required. Sponsorship not provided.

Company Brief

SpaceX
Designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft for commercial and government customers, aiming to reduce space transportation costs and enable human life on Mars through reusable launch vehicles and integrated space systems.
Industry: Aerospace Manufacturing
Company Size: Enterprise (1,001+ employees)
Growth: Established Company
Valuation: Hectocorn (USD 100B+)
Funding: Series E+
Headquarters: Hawthorne, United States
Founded: 2002
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