Photovoltaic Materials Engineer – Space Solar Materials

Photovoltaic Materials Engineer – Space Solar Hardware Position Details

Location:

Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA

Employment Type:

Full-time

Department:
Starlight Solar

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!

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.

• 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

• 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

• Direct experience with space solar arrays, deployables, power systems packaging, or similar hardware

• Startup / small-team environment experience

• Experience with space environmental testing standards (NASA GEVS, ECSS, or similar)

• 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

• 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.

Starpath is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.