Photovoltaic Materials Engineer - Space Solar Hardware
Starpath
Location
Hawthorne, CA
Employment Type
Full time
Department
Starlight Solar
Photovoltaic Materials Engineer – Space Solar Hardware
Position Details
Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA
Employment Type: Full-time
Department: Starlight Solar
About Starpath
Starpath Robotics is developing a full stack solution for commercial scale rocket propellant production on the Moon and Mars. We are building one of the key enabling technologies that will make Humans a multi-planet species.
The Starlight team is focused on dramatically reducing the cost of space-rated solar power to support both Starpath's propellant production goals and the greater space economy.
If high ownership, fast pace, working with hardware, and solving challenging problems sounds like a dream come true, come join the team!
The Role
Starpath is advancing photovoltaic technologies for the space environment. As our team grows, we need an in-house technical expert on solar cell chemistry, coatings, and long-term degradation mechanisms relevant to orbital missions.
We are seeking a Photovoltaic Chemist/Materials Scientist/Physicist to support all facets of the Starlight business unit.
This is a build-first, lead-by-doing role—high autonomy, high accountability, minimal bureaucracy.
Responsibilities
Maintain a deep knowledge of the state-of-the-art for photovoltaic technologies, serving as the company's internal technical expert on PV physics
Contribute to future photovoltaic technology roadmaps
Evaluate/characterize promising new photovoltaic technologies developed internally or with partners, aggressively driving them towards maturity
Collaborate with engineering/reliability/manufacturing teams on all matters related to photovoltaic materials (processing, handling, testing, etc.)
Support supplier evaluation and material process development
Work cross-functionally to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of all technical communications related to Starlight products
Required Qualifications
Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field
Experience with photovoltaic materials or thin-film technologies
Strong experimental and data analysis skills
Ability to translate materials behavior into system-level implications
Clear technical communication and strong engineering judgment
Preferred Qualifications
Direct experience with space solar arrays, deployables, power systems packaging, or similar hardware
Startup / small-team environment experience
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Experience with space environmental testing standards (NASA GEVS, ECSS, or similar)
Compensation & Benefits
Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA
Salary base rate is $140-$180k/yr, plus equity package; compensation scales with candidate experience.
PTO & health/dental/vision coverage included
EAR REQUIREMENTS:
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Equal Opportunity
Starpath is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.