Process Engineer, Metallization

The role

This role owns the back-end manufacturing process for solar cells including screen printing, firing, and laser systems. You will develop, optimize, and sustain the metallization process for TOPCon solar cells at a high-volume fab.

What you will do

• Own statistical process control for metallization at G2
• Maintain controlled documentation on screen printing process parameters
• Oversee the ramp-up of the screen printing module and testing and sorting module
• Develop front and rear contact metallization processes for TOPCon solar cells
• Work with an interdisciplinary process team to identify interfacial process parameters
• Drive process characterization and DOE execution
• Qualify new paste materials and screen suppliers
• Partner with equipment engineering teams to troubleshoot yield losses and process excursions
• Partner with Technology teams to develop metallization-related process initiatives
• Support technology transfer and scale-up activities

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• 3+ years of process engineering experience in solar cell manufacturing with direct, hands-on experience in metallization processes
• Demonstrated expertise in screen printing process development and optimization for solar cell applications
• Strong working knowledge of silver and/or aluminum paste chemistry, contact formation mechanisms, and firing furnace control
• Familiarity with in-line metrology tools for print quality inspection, contact resistance measurement, and IV characterization
• Experience with DOE methodology, SPC, and statistical data analysis for process optimization
• Proficiency with data analysis tools such as Python, JMP, or Excel
• Strong documentation skills and experience writing SOPs, process specs, and engineering reports

Nice to have

• Additional expertise in the tools required for parameter characterization (TLM, pulling force tester, vision systems, four-point probe)
• Strong plus to be obsessed with the theory of transistor action and William Shockley
• Experience with TOPCon or other advanced cell architectures (PERC, HJT, IBC)

About the company

T1 Energy is an American solar manufacturer building a domestic solar supply chain. They operate facilities including G1_Dallas and G2_Austin.