Solar Cell Fabrication Engineer

1 month ago

Tempe, United States Leap Photovoltaics Full time

Leap’s Vision and Technology Revolution

Leap Photovoltaics is a growing team of passionate people tackling climate change and disrupting solar manufacturing. Founded in 2020, Leap is an award-winning venture-backed start-up and has received grants from the California Energy Commission, U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and state of Arizona. We are based in San Francisco, CA, with lab space in Mountain View, CA, as well as personnel, collaborators, and access to fabrication facilities at Arizona State University.


Leap is developing a revolutionary additive manufacturing process to manufacture crystalline silicon solar cells with the same performance and reliability as traditional solar cells at half the cost using a secure domestic supply chain. This unique combination leaps the barriers of thin margins and supply chain disruptions that are holding back the explosive growth in solar manufacturing that we need to achieve our decarbonization goals.


Role Description

We are currently seeking a Solar Cell Fabrication Engineer who is passionate about developing game-changing PV technology. As a member of the founding engineering team, the Process Development Engineer will have a unique opportunity to make major contributions to technology development at a growing start-up by developing and owning key processes for solar cell fabrication and working with our in-house team and external collaborators.


Responsibilities: Lead solar cell prototyping for Leap’s novel solar cell architecture using fabrication equipment in shared facilities at ASU.

  • Design and execute experiments for continuous improvement of prototype solar cell performance by controlling parameters for key fabrication processes. You will own these processes from design and planning to execution, tracking, and reporting. Key metrics include power conversion efficiency, reliability as measured by accelerated degradation testing, and scalability measured by in-house cost modeling.
  • Coordinate use of facilities at Arizona State University, transfer samples between lab sites, and manage contractor and vendor relationships.
  • Solar Cell Fabrication Engineer will report to the CEO/CTO; candidate will have the opportunity to interface with virtually all facets of the business and will be part of a larger team of R&D scientists and engineers.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Hands-on experience performing thin-film depositions and wet chemical processing.
  • Experience with semiconductor and/or solar cell characterization and process metrology.
  • Process engineering experience including experimental design and/or statistical process control.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and spearhead collaborative projects.
  • Curiosity and passion for solving engineering challenges in a fast-paced start-up setting.
  • Desire to own key engineering tasks and make critical-path contributions on a small team.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Hands-on experience fabricating high-efficiency silicon solar cells, including passivated contacts.
  • 5+ years industry experience in an independent role. Advanced degree can be considered in lieu of some work experience.
  • Experience with PECVD of amorphous silicon, sputtering of ITO, screen-printed metallization of electrodes on silicon, wet and dry etching and cleaning of silicon.
  • Expertise in characterization of silicon and solar cell performance, particularly SEM, photoconductance, photo/electroluminescence, sheet resistance, and contact resistance.
  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate projects with long-distance collaborators and contractors.
  • Experience handling fine powders.


This position is based in Tempe, AZ.  Applicants will be considered for permanent or temporary employment.

Competitive salary, benefits including health insurance and 401k for permanent employees, and equity upside commensurate with experience.


Leap Photovoltaics is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.


If you’re ready to launch a leap forward in clean energy, apply today

  • Solar Cell Fabrication Engineer

    1 month ago

    Tempe, United States Leap Photovoltaics Full time

    Leap’s Vision and Technology RevolutionLeap Photovoltaics is a growing team of passionate people tackling climate change and disrupting solar manufacturing. Founded in 2020, Leap is an award-winning venture-backed start-up and has received grants from the California Energy Commission, U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and state of...

  • Solar Cell Fabrication Engineer

    4 weeks ago

    Tempe, United States Leap Photovoltaics Full time

    Leap’s Vision and Technology RevolutionLeap Photovoltaics is a growing team of passionate people tackling climate change and disrupting solar manufacturing. Founded in 2020, Leap is an award-winning venture-backed start-up and has received grants from the California Energy Commission, U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and state of...

  • EHS (Environmental Health & Safety) Specialist

    2 weeks ago

    Tempe, United States Solestial, Inc. Full time

    The Company: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...

  • EHS (Environmental Health & Safety) Specialist

    1 month ago

    Tempe, United States Solestial, Inc. Full time

    The Company: 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...

  • EHS (Environmental Health & Safety) Specialist

    4 weeks ago

    Tempe, United States Solestial, Inc. Full time

    The Company: 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...

  • Production Operator

    3 weeks ago

    Tempe, United States JA SOLAR AZ LLC Full time

    **Location**: Temporary Office: 1900 W University Dr Tempe, AZ 85281 Plant Address: 1975 S 99th Ave Tolleson, AZ 85353 **About JA Solar**: **Job Summary**: As a Production Operator at JA Solar's Phoenix facility, you will be an integral part of the solar panel manufacturing process. Your primary responsibilities include operating and maintaining production...

  • Electrochemical Applications Engineer

    4 weeks ago

    Tempe, United States Admiral Instruments Full time

    Job Description Job Description Admiral Instruments is searching for a full-time Electrochemical Applications Engineer knowledgeable about electrochemistry, electrical metrology, and battery technology. Your efforts will directly benefit thousands of our customers comprised of engineers and scientists in over 40 countries who use our instruments to...

  • Electrochemical Applications Engineer

    4 weeks ago

    Tempe, United States Admiral Instruments Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionAdmiral Instruments is searching for a full-time Electrochemical Applications Engineer knowledgeable about electrochemistry, electrical metrology, and battery technology. Your efforts will directly benefit thousands of our customers comprised of engineers and scientists in over 40 countries who use our instruments to manufacture...

  • Electrochemical Applications Engineer

    2 months ago

    Tempe, United States Admiral Instruments Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionAdmiral Instruments is searching for a full-time Electrochemical Applications Engineer knowledgeable about electrochemistry, electrical metrology, and battery technology. Your efforts will directly benefit thousands of our customers comprised of engineers and scientists in over 40 countries who use our instruments to manufacture...

  • Solar Site Surveyor

    2 weeks ago

    Tempe, United States Inty Power Full time

    **Job Title**: Site Surveyor **Department**: Field **Reports to**: **FLSA Category**: Non-Exempt **Overview** A Site Surveyor takes measurements of the property, including the amount of sunlight it receives, the size of the roof or other available space, and any potential obstructions to solar panel installation. **Essential Functions** - Inspect the...

  • CNC Programmer/fabricator

    4 weeks ago

    Tempe, United States Van Horn Aviation Full time

    **Work Description** As a CNC Programmer/Fabricator, you'll perform a wide range of functions in support of prototyping, test and production on 3- and 4-axis CNC mills and lathes plus Bridgeport manual/NC mills. You will write and test programs primarily in NX, identify the required tooling, set up the machine, prove out the program, and create the process...

  • Product Manager

    2 weeks ago

    Tempe, United States Solestial, Inc. Full time

    The Company: 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...

  • Scenic Fabrication Cad Designer

    2 weeks ago

    Tempe, United States Merestone Productions Full time

    Scenic Fabrication CAD Designer At Merestone, we believe that the key to our success is our employees. Our team is made up of passionate designers, craftspeople and professionals who share our core values of vision, innovation, excellence, and integrity. We seek people who can think the big ideas and deliver upon the small details. If you are creative,...

  • Cell Team Lead

    4 weeks ago

    Tempe, United States Medtronic Full time

    **Careers that Change Lives** A career at Medtronic is like no other. We’re purposeful. We’re committed. And we’re driven by our Mission to alleviate pain, restore health and extend life for millions of people worldwide. We do meaningful work that contributes to improving the lives of others. We are currently looking for a Cell Team Lead for our...

  • Cell Team Lead

    3 weeks ago

    Tempe, United States Medtronic Full time

    **Careers that Change Lives** A career at Medtronic is like no other. We’re purposeful. We’re committed. And we’re driven by our Mission to alleviate pain, restore health and extend life for millions of people worldwide. We do meaningful work that contributes to improving the lives of others. We are currently looking for a Cell Team Lead for our...

  • Sheetmetal/ Fabrication Estimator

    1 month ago

    Tempe, United States GROUP MANUFACTURING SERVICES Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDo you have a keen eye for detail and a knack for numbers? Are you passionate about the sheet metal industry? If so, then we want you on our team!We are searching for a skilled Sheet Metal Fabrication Estimator to play a vital role in our success. In this position, you will be responsible for analyzing project requirements,...

  • Sheetmetal/ Fabrication Estimator

    4 weeks ago

    Tempe, United States GROUP MANUFACTURING SERVICES Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDo you have a keen eye for detail and a knack for numbers? Are you passionate about the sheet metal industry? If so, then we want you on our team!We are searching for a skilled Sheet Metal Fabrication Estimator to play a vital role in our success. In this position, you will be responsible for analyzing project requirements,...

  • Welder / Fabricator Supervisor

    1 month ago

    Tempe, United States Creative Environments Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionWe are seeking experienced Welder Fabricators to become an integral part of our team! The Welder will use specialized equipment to weld and assemble new metal forms.Field Welder should be capable of going out in the field, taking measurements, and coming back to the shop as well as working in the field. Prefer experience reading...

  • Welder / Fabricator Supervisor

    4 weeks ago

    Tempe, United States Creative Environments Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionWe are seeking experienced Welder Fabricators to become an integral part of our team! The Welder will use specialized equipment to weld and assemble new metal forms.Field Welder should be capable of going out in the field, taking measurements, and coming back to the shop as well as working in the field. Prefer experience reading...

  • Transport Engineer(1-2):

    2 weeks ago

    Tempe, Arizona, United States The Judge Group Full time

    Our client is currently seeking a Transport Engineer(1-2): Description: This position will be responsible for engineering and administration functions associated with the design, installation and inventory on interconnection facilities required for the provisioning of wireless services in the Southwest Submarket. This person will also be responsible for...