Sr Solar Cell Test Engineer

Application close date:

At Blue Origin we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. Were working to develop reusable safe and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety collaboration and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

Mission

At Blue Origin we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. Were working to develop reusable safe and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety collaboration and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

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 get the chance to 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

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

Base Pay Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Dont meet all desired requirements Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace so if youre excited about this role but your past experience doesnt align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder) or lawfully admitted into the a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blues Standard Background Check
• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding) Road Test Hours of Service Drug and Alcohol Testing vehicle inspection requirements CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

• Benefits include: Medical dental vision basic and supplemental life insurance paid parental leave short and long-term disability 401(k) with a company match of up to 5% and an Education Support Program.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
• Dependent on role type and job level employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the companys intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the companys results or other factors at the companys sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting retaining and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications performance and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust equality and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire promotion and other terms and conditions of employment regardless of their race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin/ethnicity age physical or mental disability genetic factors military/veteran status or any other status or characteristic protected by federal state and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal state and local laws including the Washington Fair Chance Act the California Fair Chance Act the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance and other applicable laws. For more information on Know Your Rights please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origins Affirmative Action Plans or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process please contact us at. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.