Cell R&D Engineer

Cell R&D Engineer

Job Overview:

The Cell R&D Engineer will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and scaling next-generation high-efficiency solar cell technologies, including Heterojunction (HJT), TOPCon, Perovskite, and Tandem perovskite-silicon architectures.

This role will work closely with internal teams and external research partners to translate advanced concepts into manufacturable, high-yield, and cost-effective solutions for commercial production.

The engineer will lead hands‑on experimentation, process design, data analysis, and pilot‑line validation to drive efficiency improvements, yield enhancements, reliability optimization, and cost‑effectiveness of advanced cell structures. They will also support integrating cell innovations into full module products and ensuring downstream reliability and manufacturability.

Responsibilities:

Solar Cell Research & Development

• Develop and optimize HJT, TOPCon, Perovskite, and Tandem solar cell structures for high efficiency and long‑term stability.
• Conduct experiments on device structure, passivation, TCO, contacts, interfaces, and encapsulation relevant to advanced architectures.
• Analyze device physics and performance losses using tools such as Suns‑Voc, EQE/IQE, J‑V, and lifetime/metrology data.

Process & Manufacturing Integration

• Scale lab‑level processes to pilot and production environments, working closely with process engineering.
• Evaluate process windows, equipment capability, and impacts of upstream/downstream steps.
• Support root‑cause analysis and continuous improvement for yield, throughput, and reliability issues.

Module Reliability & Product Integration

• Collaborate with module R&D teams to assess how cell innovations interact with module assembly steps such as lamination, interconnection, packaging, and reliability testing.
• Interpret results from IEC reliability tests (e.g., damp heat, thermal cycling, UV, PID) to guide cell‑level improvements.
• Support long‑term field performance modeling and degradation assessments.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work across R&D, quality, reliability, operations, and supply chain teams to deliver manufacturable, high‑performance cell technologies.
• Provide technical documentation, reports, and recommendations for material selection and process modifications.

Skill Set & Experience:

• 3–10 years experience in solar R&D, advanced PV manufacturing, or thin‑film semiconductor development.
• Expertise in TOPCon, HJT, Tandem (perovskite‑si) or other high‑efficiency thin‑film or passivated‑contact solar cell technologies.
• Strong understanding of solar cell physics: recombination, passivation, optical management, interfaces, and degradation mechanisms.
• Experience with cleanroom processes such as:
• PECVD, sputtering, ALD, thermal evaporation
• Laser processes (annealing, patterning, scribing)
• Printing, coating, or scalable thin‑film deposition (slot‑die, blade, spray, etc.)
• Metallization and contact formation.
• Hands‑on experience with:
• JV, EQE/IQE, Suns‑Voc, PL/EL imaging
• Lifetime and defect analysis (μ‑PCD, QSSPC, DLTS, etc.)
• Thin‑film and materials metrology (Ellipsometry, XRD, SEM/EDX, AFM).
• Familiarity with module reliability standards (IEC 61215 / 61730) and failure modes (UV degradation, moisture ingress, thermal stress, PID).
• Understanding of how cell‑level materials and interfaces behave under module encapsulation.
• Ability to scale processes from lab to production.
• Strong DOE design, statistical analysis, SPC, and data‑driven problem‑solving skills.
• Experience working with automation, pilot tools, and high‑volume manufacturing lines is a plus.

Education:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related fields.

Benefits:

• PTO
• 401K Matching Plan
• Vision, Dental, Medical Benefits
• Sick leave

About us:

ES Foundry is the only US-based pure play solar foundry that provides Domestic Content Bonus ITC compliant product solutions for US end customers. The company's manufacturing facility is in South Carolina. Our founding members have accumulated experience of over 40GW of module sales and 30GW of manufacturing operation expansion.

ESF offers excellent career growth opportunities and is expanding its talented workforce to meet rising demand. By joining ESF, you'll learn from industry experts and discover your potential while being part of a team committed to our shared values: Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Accountability, Customer Focus, and Entrepreneurial Spirit.