R&D Vacuum Process Technician III

Compensation Range:  $69,000 - $105,000

SOLAR: AMPLIFIED.  Caelux is a pioneer in utilizing perovskites at scale to make solar energy more powerful and cost-effective, driving the next generation of solar innovation.  Headquartered in Baldwin Park, California, Caelux is at the forefront of the emerging science of perovskites, a special class of nanomaterials. Its flagship product, Caelux™ One is an innovative product that integrates seamlessly into existing PV module manufacturing processes, boosting performance, reducing installed costs, and accelerating the proliferation of solar. For more information, visit www.caelux.com or connect on LinkedIn or X.

Our R&D team is seeking to hire an R&D Process Technician to join us in our mission to develop new Perovskite solar technologies that drive down the cost of green electricity. 

Job Functions:

In this role, you will be the primary technician responsible for specific vacuum process tool(s) and process steps.  Processes and characterizations may include:

·         Physical vapor deposition of inorganic materials such as conducting metal oxides.

·         Evaporation of organic thin films

·         Evaporation of inorganic and metal thin films

·         Characterization using 4-point probe for sheet resistance, spectrometer for transmission /absorption spectrum, thickness measurements using optical or contact profilometer.

Responsibilities:

·         Depositing thin-films using vacuum (and as needed, other) process steps for device synthesis in our R&D laboratory.

·         Maintaining and continually improving process control and thin-film characterization methods.

·         Performing basic process troubleshooting and preventative maintenance

·         Rationalizing the spares and supplies (e.g. gases) inventory, to ensure availability of the process as needed in the lab.

·         Making a case for investment in tool upgrades and performing acceptance-testing of tool upgrades (a lab equipment engineer will also be supporting).

Knowledge and skills that will serve the ideal candidate well in this role are:

·         Essential understanding of the physical principles of PVD and evaporation processes.

·         Essential understanding of vacuum tool and component function, correct operation and maintenance of roughing, turbo and diffusion pumps, pressure gauges, etc.

·         Experience and skill with basic troubleshooting methods such as leak testing, and electrical signal checking with multimeter/current clamp.

·         Essential understanding of the basic properties of light (intensity vs wavelength; reflection, absorption, and transmission of light) and electricity (voltage, current, resistance, thin film sheet resistance)

·         Experience with four-point-probe, spectrometer, and profilometers.

·         Knowledge of good laboratory practice (safety, documentation, calibration)

Requirements

Requirements:

·         Associate degree in a STEM field, plus 3 years’ experience with vacuum equipment in an R&D technical role *OR*

·         Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, plus 1 year experience with vacuum equipment in an R&D technical role

·         Must be able to lift at least 30 lbs.

·         Must be able to work at bench-height lab equipment and climb short stepladders to access top-side service access ports located approximately 6 feet off the floor.

Why consider the opportunity?

The global solar power market is >$200B/year and is forecast to grow at >7%/year, accounting for 50% of new electricity-generating capacity additions in the USA in 2022.   Caelux is spurring this rapid growth by developing and deploying a novel technology that has the power to dramatically increase the efficiency of solar modules, at a lower cost per watt.    

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Free Food & Snacks
• Stock Option Plan
• Wellness Resources
• Bonus