R&D Engineer, Thin Film Solution Processing

Role overview

Tandem PV is developing affordable solar technology to support a more sustainable future. The company is scaling metal-halide perovskite solar solutions to produce high-performance mechanically stacked tandem modules. It has already built efficient and durable cells, monolithic multi-cell submodules, and packaged modules using a scalable, low-cost process, and is now expanding its team for a new pilot manufacturing facility in Fremont, CA.

In this hands-on R&D role, you will collaborate with engineers and technicians to develop and run thin-film solution deposition processes for perovskite solar modules. A major part of the job is working with the newly received nScrypt Last Step Interconnection (LSI) system, also referred to as line writing or microdispensing, which is an important module fabrication step. Depending on your experience and team priorities, you may also support related thin-film development work, including blanket thin-film encapsulation.

You will work across functions to plan experiments, carry them out, and help improve the efficiency and durability of Tandem PV’s modules.

What the role involves

• Set up, operate, and improve thin-film solution deposition workflows for perovskite solar modules.
• Work with the nScrypt LSI tool for line writing and microdispensing, as well as related printing-style processes such as screen printing and inkjet printing.
• Contribute to adjacent thin-film process development, including blanket thin-film encapsulation when needed.
• Partner with engineers and technicians to design, execute, and refine experimental plans.
• Document processing conditions, observations, and results carefully and in detail.
• Support efforts to improve module performance, reliability, and durability.

What makes someone successful here

• A proactive, self-starting mindset and willingness to move projects forward without waiting for direction.
• Comfort working in uncertain or fast-changing situations where independent judgment is needed.
• Adaptability and the ability to contribute across multiple laboratory tasks at once.
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new technical areas.
• A results-driven approach focused on achieving project goals rather than simply completing tasks.
• Attention to detail, including keeping a clean, organized workspace and doing work carefully.
• Clear communication skills, both in written updates and in person, including presentations.

Qualifications

The company can teach many of the specifics, but candidates should already bring enough foundation to contribute quickly. Relevant experience includes:

• Prior work experience showing initiative, teamwork, and the ability to push projects to completion.
• Background in a scientific or engineering-related environment.
• Experience with solution processing of semiconductor thin films is preferred, but not required.
• Hands-on exposure to microdispensing, screen printing, or inkjet printing is especially relevant.
• Experience with coating and curing methods such as aerosol or spray coating, or epoxy coating from battery-related work, is also valuable.
• Practical laboratory experience is a plus.
• Strong note-taking habits for capturing process settings and observations during experiments.
• Motivation to help produce solar modules as part of a team focused on high performance and durability.

Benefits and compensation

Tandem PV offers a benefits package that includes flexible PTO, healthcare coverage, life insurance, long-term disability, short-term disability, parental leave, and meaningful equity.

About the company

Tandem PV develops perovskite-and-silicon mechanically stacked tandem technology designed to improve existing silicon solar panels, reduce installed system costs, raise manufacturing profit margins, and create new solar market opportunities in the US and globally. The company was co-founded by Stanford PhDs Colin Bailie and Chris Eberspacher, is guided by advisors from Corning, First Solar, Vivint Solar, and Kateeva, has raised more than $50M in Series A funding, and was named Best Pre-Commercial Venture of 2025 by the Industry Growth Forum.

Equal opportunity

Tandem PV is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.