Chemical Process Engineer

About Solestial, Inc.

Solestial is advancing the forefront of space-based solar power by creating cutting-edge solar technologies tailored for the extreme conditions encountered in space. Their innovative, cost-effective, and scalable solar array solutions are designed for next-generation satellites, spacecraft, and orbital infrastructure, aiming to energize the burgeoning space economy and unlock limitless orbital opportunities.

Role Overview

The Chemical Process Engineer will play a vital role in supporting and enhancing electroplating and wet chemical processes critical for manufacturing Solestial's solar cells and modules. The role involves maintaining current copper plating operations and spearheading the development, scale-up, and implementation of new nickel and gold plating processes.

This position collaborates closely with Manufacturing, Equipment Engineering, Process Engineering, and Product Development teams to boost process capabilities, yields, throughput, and consistency. Additionally, it involves managing wastewater treatment systems and ensuring the safe, compliant functioning of chemical processes across production areas.

This hands-on role blends process development with manufacturing support, troubleshooting, and scaling new technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimize electroplating processes involved in solar cell manufacture.
• Develop, assess, and scale production-ready nickel and gold plating processes.
• Support ongoing copper plating operations and lead continuous improvements.
• Plan and execute experiments to enhance process reliability, yield, and performance.
• Monitor critical process parameters and implement control measures for consistency.
• Analyze process data and deliver insights to technical and production teams.
• Diagnose and resolve process deviations, yield shortfalls, and equipment issues.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Equipment Engineering to enhance throughput and process efficiency.
• Assist with installation, qualification, and escalation of new plating equipment and lines.
• Create and update process documentation, operation protocols, work instructions, and training resources.
• Support wastewater treatment system operations and improvement within manufacturing.
• Train manufacturing staff and operators on process expectations and best practices.
• Adhere to safety protocols and contribute to a safe, compliant manufacturing environment.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with electrochemical, electroplating, wet chemical, semiconductor, photovoltaic, or similar manufacturing processes.
• Robust knowledge of process development, control, and scaling for manufacturing.
• Proven troubleshooting skills for complex equipment and process issues.
• Strong analytical mindset and problem-solving ability.
• Competency in analyzing process data and clearly communicating technical insights.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, team-oriented environment.
• Familiarity and comfort working safely with chemicals and manufacturing machinery.

Additional Advantages

• Hands-on experience with copper, nickel, gold, or other metal plating technologies.
• Background supporting semiconductor, photovoltaic, PCB, advanced packaging, or electronics manufacturing.
• Experience managing wastewater treatment or industrial chemical waste systems.
• Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC), design of experiments (DOE), and yield enhancement strategies.
• Proven ability to transition processes from development stages into full manufacturing operations.
• Experience working within cleanroom or high-reliability manufacturing contexts.

Benefits

• Competitive pay structure designed to encourage career growth.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance from the first day of employment.
• 15 vacation days, 5 sick days, and 10 paid holidays each year, plus an extended holiday period at year’s end.
• 401K plan with employer matching contributions up to 4% of salary.
• Employer-covered short-term and long-term disability, plus employer-sponsored life insurance.
• The unique opportunity to contribute to projects that will literally be launched into space.