Own end-to-end cell efficiency roadmap: integrate processes across ingot growth, wafer prep, deposition (PECVD, PVD), passivation, metallization, and testing to drive significant efficiency gains

Define and qualify incoming wafer specifications (e.g., resistivity, lifetime, thickness uniformity) for SHJ compatibility, partnering with suppliers and internal supply for tens of GW-scale volumes

Design and iterate SHJ cell architectures optimized for space: Radiation tolerance (proton/electron fluence), thermal vacuum cycling, UV exposure, and high specific power (>250 W/kg)

Develop fab-wide metrology strategy: Select, commission, and calibrate inline/offline tools (e.g., lifetime testers, IQE/EL mappers, TRPL, LBIC, SEM, Ellipsometry, Raman, etc.) for real-time process control and yield correlation

Lead reliability engineering: Establish accelerated life testing labs (HALST, damp heat, mechanical stress, radiation, TVAC, UV, etc.), define qualification protocols per ECSS/AEC-Q standards, and predict 25+ year mission lifetimes

Build and maintain physics-based models (e.g., PC1D, Quokka, Sentaurus) for loss analysis (recombination, shading, passivation) and guide DoE with process teams

Analyze production data to identify efficiency limiters, spearhead cross-functional improvements, and support fab ramps

Mentor team on PV physics fundamentals and represent solar cell performance in design reviews for spacecraft power systems

Develop, implement, and maintain new and/or improved manufacturing processes, equipment, technologies, and facilities

Analyze production processes and machinery from a first principles, physics-based approach

Develop experiments to diagnose and correct manufacturing problems, utilizing robust DOE and statistical methodologies

Optimize process conditions and materials to improve the optical and electrical quality of solar cells

Sr. Device Physics Engineer, Solar Cells (Starlink)

Responsibilities

Qualification

Required

Preferred

Company

SpaceX

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