Photovoltaic Test Engineer, Spacecraft

Job Description

Job Title: Sr. Photovoltaic Test Engineer, Spacecraft Mechanical, Amazon Leo Mechanical Development. Location: Redmond, WA, USA

Responsibilities:

• Lead high-precision electrical and optical characterization of solar cells and modules using IV, EQE, and IQE measurements.
• Establish baseline and stressed performance metrics for photovoltaic devices.
• Use photoluminescence (PL) and electroluminescence (EL) imaging to map defects, diagnose recombination pathways, and correlate spatial non-uniformities with electrical performance;
• Execute controlled proton and electron radiation exposure campaigns followed by multi-temperature light-soak testing.
• Develop thermal annealing studies to investigate recovery pathways, damage thresholds, activation energies, and thermal recovery profiles.
• Own the operation, calibration, servicing, and maintenance of photovoltaic characterization equipment, including solar simulators, spectral response systems, and imaging tools.
• Improve equipment capabilities and establish measurement uncertainty budgets.
• Develop and validate new test methods, procedures, and fixtures for emerging cell technologies and module-level characterization.
• Analyze test data to extract temperature coefficients, series resistance evolution, and degradation kinetics;
• Prepare technical reports that inform design decisions and solar array power budget models.
• Work with solar cell vendors, radiation testing facilities, and internal design engineers to define requirements and coordinate external test campaigns.
• Translate test results into actionable design guidance.
• Support broader laboratory engineering activities, including environmental testing, mechanical test setups, and equipment troubleshooting.
• Maintain accurate records, procedures, and traceability documentation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a STEM field, or Master's degree or higher in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• At least 5 years of experience in photovoltaic device characterization, including IV testing, spectral response measurements, and electro-optical imaging.
• At least 3 years of experience operating and maintaining laboratory test equipment in a research or production environment.
• Experience with radiation effects testing or accelerated aging of semiconductor devices;
• Proficiency in data analysis and scripting using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for test automation and large-dataset processing.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced development environment.
• Ability to communicate technical findings effectively with cross-functional engineering teams.

Preferred:

• Master's degree or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field focused on photovoltaic devices or semiconductor characterization.
• Experience with space-rated solar cell technologies, including III-V multi-junction, advanced silicon, or perovskite technologies.
• Experience with proton and electron radiation testing of photovoltaic devices;
• Knowledge of PV device physics, including recombination mechanisms, defect characterization, radiation damage, and annealing kinetics.
• Experience developing measurement uncertainty budgets and calibration procedures for optical and electrical test systems.
• Experience managing vendor relationships for external test campaigns, radiation facilities, or cell suppliers.
• Strong communication skills for presenting complex device physics results to cross-functional engineering teams.
• Experience maintaining accurate technical records, procedures, and traceability documentation.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Base salary: $136,900 to $185,200 per year.
• Sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs) may be included in the compensation package.
• Final compensation depends on experience, qualifications, and location.
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance;
• Basic Life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life insurance options.
• Employee Assistance Program and mental health support.
• Medical advice line and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Adoption and surrogacy reimbursement coverage.
• 401(k) matching.
• Paid time off and parental leave.
• Comprehensive employee benefits through Amazon.

Other Information:

• The position is part of Amazon Leo, Amazon's low Earth orbit satellite network.
• The role supports solar array development for spacecraft operating in the LEO radiation environment.
• The position involves hands-on laboratory work, data analysis, equipment operation, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Priorities can change rapidly across multiple satellite and solar-cell development programs;
• Due to export control requirements, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.