Tooling Development Engineer

Solestial, Inc. is the solar energy company for space.  Solestial's core technology is a breakthrough ultra-thin silicon solar cell that can self-cure radiation damage at normal operating temperatures in space, packaged in a flexible, lightweight panel designed to achieve minimum degradation for up to 10 years in LEO.  Solestial panels can be mass-produced using automated machines resulting in costs 90% lower than incumbent technologies, with virtually unlimited manufacturing capacity.  From today's satellite constellations and research projects to tomorrow's utility-scale energy infrastructure and services in space, Solestial is powering the new space economy.

As a Tooling Development Engineer you will be working with solar module engineers on developing solar module processing tools from concept to completion. You will start working at Solestial's R&D pilot line to develop pilot scale processing tools; then transition the developed processes and tools to a new automated mass production line. This will include using CAD software to develop models of equipment and machine shop drawings, assembly, integration and validation testing the developed tools. During the transition to mass production you will work in collaboration with automation equipment manufacturers on designing and building of high-throughput automated production tools as well as develop SOPs and training operators. This is an exciting position as part of a positive, supportive, and passionate team! A competitive compensation package, including equity and full benefits (see below), will be offered.

Specifically, our projects relate to:

1) Laser Processing equipment design

2) Electroplating equipment design

3) Software integration and control of mechanical systems

4) General electromechanical system design, development or integration of processing equipment for cell or module production.

Specific Responsibilities to Include:

• Obtain tooling and process requirements from the solar module engineering team.
• Develop tool designs and implement them in CAD drawings.
• Prepare CAD drawings per machine shop requirements.
• Fabricate and start up tools, develop process recipes.
• Follow company documentation requirements.
• Occasionally assist with other tasks and running production lots.
• Work in close collaboration with all solar cell and solar module engineers to improve the performance of solar modules.
• Work with automation equipment manufacturers to transition the developed tools and processes to a new mass production line.
• Create SOPs and train tool operators.
• Follow safety requirements and prevent accidents.
• Maintain a clean work environment.

Your Background:

• Bachelor degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics or Robotics Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or related fields.
• 3-5 years of experience in design and development of automated manufacturing systems
• Knowledge of CAD systems (SolidWorks or AutoCAD preferred).
• Experience programming using C languages or Python is a plus.
• Experience with building, designing or integrating automation systems.
• Experience programming controllers or PLCs.
• Demonstrated ability to build new processing tools from scratch.
• Ability to work in a class 1,000 clean room environment.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment.
• Strong analytical skills, basic data analysis and presentation, clear communication.
• Positive attitude.

Our Benefits:

• Generous, high-quality medical, dental and vision coverage on day one of employment
• A minimum of 15 days PTO and 9 paid holidays annually
• 401K with employer match up to 4% of salary
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability and employer-sponsored life insurance