R&D Instrumentation and Lab Equipment Engineer

Compensation Range: $106,000- $143,000

SOLAR: AMPLIFIED.  Caelux is a pioneer in utilizing perovskites at scaleto 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 an R&D Equipment Engineer 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 equipment engineer, supporting a diverse set of R&D lab fabrication and characterization equipment, including:

·         Physical vapor deposition and Evaporator tools

·         Laser scribers

·         Spinners and other wet solution-processing equipment

·         Commercial and custom-built reliability test chambers

·         Quantum efficiency, reflectance, and transmission measurement systems

·         Four-point probe, stylus and optical profilometers, ellipsometer

·         Glove boxes and associated purification systems

·         Supporting facilities equipment (with support from operations, engineering and maintenance team).

Responsibilities:

·         Driving mechanical design of new first-of-a-kind custom equipment and instrumentation

·         Driving the selection, installation, and site acceptance testing of new equipment

·         Performing equipment troubleshooting and corrective maintenance

·         Ensuring calibrations are performed by competent in-house staff or contractors.

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

·         Skills and background with optical diagnostics (laser induced fluorescence, photoluminescence, or similar methods) and ability to write custom signal- or image-processing software

·         Knowledge of fluid mechanics and heat transfer; ability to estimate thin-film drying rates based on published correlations for heat/mass transfer.  Practical design experience using flow/pressure control systems such as regulators, manifolds, flowmeters, mass flow controllers, pumps, and temperature control systems such as thermocouples, RTD’s, heaters and temperature controllers.  

·         Experience and working knowledge of vacuum tool and component function.  Correct operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of roughing, turbo and diffusion pumps, vacuum and pressure gauges, mass flow controllers, KF fittings, etc.

·         Curious and able to quickly learn the physical principles and operation of characterization tools such as four-point-probe, spectrometer, profilometers.

·         Experience and skill with troubleshooting equipment electrical control systems using multi-meter/ current clamp, and other diagnostic tools.  Ability to design and fabricate PCB-based custom electronics is a plus.

·         Curious to expand knowledge into machine-learning and artificial intelligence for data processing.

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

Requirements

Requirements:

·         Bachelor's degree plus 3 years experience, or Master’s degree plus 1 year, in mechanical or electrical engineering

·         Understanding of optics and optical materials diagnostic methods; experience with vacuum thin-film equipment a plus.

·         Knowledge of electronic instrumentation methods and hardware

·         Ability to write signal- and image-processing code

·         Understands safe control of hazardous energies (electrical, pressure, etc.) via LOTO and other safe practices.

·         Good understanding of electrical systems and basic electronics

·         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.

·         Good team communication skills, and attention to detail in planning.

 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