Sr Solar Cell Test Engineer Verified today

About the Role

As a Solar Cell Test Engineer, you will own the test and characterization infrastructure for the perovskite solar cell program. You will define test plans, specify and commission equipment, develop measurement protocols, and lead the analysis that converts raw data into actionable engineering insights. Your work spans from rapid-feedback R&D characterization (J-V, EQE, PL) through formal qualification testing (radiation, thermal cycling, humidity, UV) aligned with space power standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute device characterization protocols: current-voltage (J-V) under AM0 illumination, external quantum efficiency (EQE), photoluminescence (steady-state and time-resolved), impedance spectroscopy, and electroluminescence imaging
• Develop and maintain the test laboratory infrastructure: solar simulators, EQE systems, environmental chambers, radiation sources, and data acquisition systems
• Define qualification test plans aligned with space PV standards including radiation testing (proton, electron), thermal cycling, UV exposure, and humidity
• Analyze device degradation mechanisms through systematic characterization before and after stress testing, correlating performance loss with specific physical mechanisms
• Develop accelerated testing methodologies that predict long-term space performance from short-duration lab tests
• Establish measurement uncertainty budgets, calibration protocols, and traceability for all key measurements
• Build and maintain a structured test database linking sample identity, processing history, test conditions, and results
• Collaborate with radiation test facilities (proton/electron accelerators) to plan and execute radiation campaigns
• Present test results to program reviews with clear statistical analysis, confidence intervals, and pass/fail assessments

Required Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in photovoltaic device testing, characterization, or reliability engineering
• Expert-level proficiency with solar cell characterization techniques: J-V measurement, EQE, solar simulator calibration, reference cell traceability
• Demonstrated experience with environmental stress testing (thermal cycling, damp heat, UV) and interpreting degradation data
• Strong statistical analysis skills: DOE, hypothesis testing, Weibull analysis, measurement system analysis
• Experience specifying, procuring, and commissioning test equipment for a photovoltaic characterization lab
• Track record of managing test campaigns from planning through reporting with rigorous data quality controls

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience testing perovskite solar cells (understanding of hysteresis, light-soaking effects, ion migration artifacts)
• Experience designing and performing both qualification and acceptance tests for space photovoltaics
• Familiarity with solar simulation, spectrum correction, and space-relevant measurement protocols
• Experience with imaging techniques for defect detection: electroluminescence, photoluminescence mapping, thermal imaging
• Knowledge of test standards for space photovoltaics
• Experience with automated test systems and data pipeline development (LabVIEW, Python, or similar)
• Experience specifying, procuring, and commissioning environmental test equipment for space solar array operation (AO, UV, HALT/HASS, Combined Effects)
• Experience managing or mentoring a team of test engineers or technicians

Compensation

Base pay range for WA applicants: $145,188.00 - $203,263.20. Other site ranges may differ.

Employment Details

U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, refugee status, or asylum granted in the U.S. is required. Background check required for all positions.