Careers

Position: Senior Process Engineer

XeroCoat, Inc is a venture-backed solar energy start-up company that develops high performing anti-reflective coating technology for solar energy systems which is applicable across all solar energy technologies. From photovoltaic (PV)—poly and mono-crystalline silicon, thin film, and concentrating—to solar thermal technology, the use of the XeroCoat technology can substantially increase the percentage of solar energy converted to electricity. Our patented technology delivers greater solar energy affordability today by decreasing manufacturing costs for solar module makers and increasing energy returns for solar system owners. 
 
Founded in Brisbane, Australia in 2005 and headquartered in Redwood City, California since 2007, we have an international team of world-class optical materials and solar energy scientists and engineers who are focused on continuous innovation of coatings for the solar energy industry.

Description: 
As part of a small engineering team and reporting to the Director of Process Engineering, the Senior Process Development Engineer will develop new processes for the manufacture of anti-reflection coatings on glass. These innovative coatings will be used to enhance the throughput of solar panels and other devices. The ideal candidate will have a background in developing the processes needed to move new products into manufacturing.

Responsibilities:
• Develop new manufacturing processes that drive improvements in the production of AR coated glass.
• Characterize and optimize processes for stability, performance, reliability and cost.
• Identify opportunities for improvements in equipment design. Interact with equipment engineers and suppliers to implement equipment modifications.
• Using statistical methods identify parameters for manufacturing scale-up and carry out scale-up experiments.

Core Competencies:
• Hands-on approach, comfortable working with manufacturing equipment needed to move process into production. 
• Statistical methods / design of experiments experience.
• Organized and self driven, able to work individually or as part of a team.
• Experience working with outside suppliers and technology partners.
• Liquid film coating experience desirable.

Requirements: 
• Minimum of a BS in Engineering or Physical Sciences
• 3+ years experience in new process development and/or equipment design for new processes.
• Knowledge of Engineering Techniques and Practices, Manufacturing Processes, and computer applications.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and develop solutions or approaches to resolve.
• Able to effectively communicate technical results and influence technical decisions.

 Position:  Senior Product Engineer

XeroCoat is a solar energy optical coating company that has developed a unique and low cost method of producing antireflection surfaces for solar panels and other glass and plastic substrates.  We supply high performance coatings to deliver solutions in a variety of technology environments: Crystalline PV, Thin Film PV, Concentrating PV and Concentrating Solar Thermal.  The Senior Product Engineer has the unique opportunity to work with a broad spectrum of clients developing new products for mainstream and emerging solar technologies.

Reporting to the VP, Product Engineering, the Senior Product Engineer is a key member of the team that will work with customers to develop and introduce new XeroCoat products. The Senior Product Engineer will help to establish product requirements based on customer needs and will work closely with engineering, sales and marketing, and business development to develop, qualify and introduce products based on advanced thin film coatings that will enhance the optical performance of solar panels and other devices.

The ideal candidate will have a technical background in process engineering associated with glass, coatings, polymers, optics, and/or solar materials combined with a recent history of customer interaction.. At least 5 years working with customers is required.  In addition to customer interaction, hands-on execution of demonstrations for specific customer applications and associated process tailoring is required.  

Responsibilities:
1. Carry out product application demonstrations, product qualification and performance testing
2. Own demo lab equipment and process. Run associated metrology equipment to generate final reports for each customer demonstration.
3. Establish and monitor quality control for standard products.  Develop inspection criteria and techniques.
4. Define target product performance and final specifications.
5. Will have expert knowledge of Xerocoat’s technical capabilities.
6. Some travel required – up to 25%.

Core Competencies and Requirements:
• General knowledge of glass, functional coatings, optics, lifetime testing, and/or solar materials desired
• 10+ years experience with 5+ years experience working with customers and understanding customer requirements as an applications lab engineer or product engineer.
• Product qualification experience based on product performance and reliability
• Proven ability and desire to work with both Asian and European customers
• Successful record of launching new products
• Relevant experience with process  development
• Photovoltaic experience or knowledge a strong plus
• German language skills are a strong plus
• MS in relevant technical field preferably Chemistry or Chemical Engineering