Manufacturing Engineer - Solar Module Manufacturing

Solestial • Full-time • Tempe, Arizona • 3w ago

The Company:

Solestial is pioneering the future of space-based solar power by developing advanced solar technologies optimized for the harsh conditions of space. Our innovative, low-cost, and scalable solar arrays are engineered for next-generation satellites, spacecraft, and orbital infrastructure. We are driven by a mission to power the space economy and unlock limitless opportunities in orbit and beyond.

The Role:

As a Manufacturing Engineer – Solar Module Manufacturing, you will develop, optimize, and implement the materials and manufacturing processes used to build Solestial’s solar modules. You will work closely with Product/ Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Equipment, and Quality teams to translate module designs into reliable, repeatable, and scalable production processes.

Your Mission:

Develop, optimize, and create manufacturing processes & documentation for solar module assembly and integration.
Collaborate with design engineering in the evaluation and selection of materials, including polymers, adhesives, thermal interface materials, and electrical insulation materials.
Translate product and design requirements into practical manufacturing processes, work instructions, and process specifications.
Plan and execute process trials, experiments, and qualification activities to improve yield, quality, reliability, and manufacturability.
Coordinate materials characterization, process validation, design verification, and hardware qualification testing.
Troubleshoot materials, process, and integration issues in partnership with Manufacturing, Product, Equipment, and Quality teams.
Support the transfer of new module designs and processes from development into production.
Develop process controls, acceptance criteria, and standard methodologies that ensure consistent, high-quality module production.
Support supplier selection, material qualification, and ongoing supplier improvement efforts.
Identify opportunities to improve process capability, cycle time, cost, and scalability as production grows.
Create and source customer packaging designs.

What You Bring:

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in process engineering, materials engineering, or manufacturing engineering, preferably within the solar, semiconductor, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing industries.
Hands-on experience developing, optimizing, and implementing manufacturing processes for complex hardware or assemblies.
Strong knowledge of materials selection, characterization, and testing, particularly polymers, adhesives, thermal interface materials, and electrical insulation materials.
Experience translating product requirements into manufacturing processes, material specifications, process specifications, and work instructions.
Experience with process validation, qualification testing, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
Ability to use structured process-development tools such as DOE, SPC, process capability analysis, and PFMEA.
Experience supporting the transfer of new products or processes from development into manufacturing.
Familiarity with supplier selection, material qualification, supplier development, and ongoing performance evaluation.
Strong cross-functional communication skills and the ability to work effectively with Product, Manufacturing, Equipment, and Quality teams.

What Gives You an Edge:

Experience with solar cell or solar module manufacturing, assembly, and integration.
Background in semiconductor, photovoltaic, aerospace, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments.
Hands-on experience with module integration processes such as bonding, lamination, encapsulation, interconnection, thermal management, or insulation.
Experience scaling new materials and processes from development through qualification and production.
Familiarity with spaceflight hardware requirements, environmental testing, and qualification standards.
A practical, hands-on approach to troubleshooting and a willingness to work directly with equipment, materials, and production teams.
Comfort operating in a fast-paced environment where processes are still being developed and priorities evolve.

Our Benefits:

Competitive salary
Generous, high-quality medical, dental, and vision coverage on day one of employment
15 vacation days, 5 sick days, and 10 paid holidays annually - with an extended holiday break at year’s end
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!