Next Energy Technologies (NEXT) is looking for an Engineer for the Large Area Coating R&D Team. We are seeking highly motivated applicants who pride themselves on outstanding work. NEXT is a startup developing game-changing semi-transparent photovoltaic windows. Successful applicants can expect exceptional opportunities and an exciting work environment where passion, teamwork, and results are core values. Applicants should be driven by both innovation and aggressive goals in a fast-paced atmosphere.
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Goleta, Ca
Basic Job Functions:
The primary job tasks are based on the scale up of solar modules and developing
new equipment for an R&D and Pilot Production scale environment.
- Design and program automated equipment for R&D, pilot and manufacturing for slot die coating process
- Establish equipment requirements and metrics based on device performance goals and production cost targets.
- Build, upgrade, retrofit, and integrate various automation equipment
- Work with vendors for design, review, and implementation of new equipment.
- Document machine equipment code, GUIs, and implement new features or functions as necessary
- Train engineers, technicians and operators on the use of automated equipment and supervise tool handoff from implementation to R&D to production
- Define system hazards and engineering controls and work with company EH&S personnel to ensure safe operation of automated equipment
- Manage data collection and analysis and report experimental results and/or experience with using OPC tags for process data gathering.
- Work in cross functional teams to transition from R&D to manufacturing environment.
- Interface with, troubleshoot, and update existing R&D equipment
- Create reliable and well documented software and hardware that can be safely used by operator and technician level workers
Desired Qualities:
- Education: B.S. in Mechanical/Electrical/Industrial/Automation/Manufacturing Engineering/Mechatronics Engineering or related discipline
- 5+ years experience
- Experience developing PLC programs and logic for equipment as well as HMI/SCADA development Specific experience with Omron and/or Allen-Bradley PLCs
- Experience prototyping
- Experience with motion control systems (servos, linear motors, multi-axis robots, etc.)
- Experience with precision non-contact sensors, proximity sensors, photo eyes, LVDT's, transducers, as well as: 4-20mA, 0-5V, 0-10V analog control and sensing
- Ability to use basic hand tools and measuring devices
Experience in the following areas is a plus:
- Semiconductors and thin films
- Solar energy, smart windows, OLED, or battery industries
- Precision conveyance
- Manufacturing equipment development
- General computer programming, especially database structures
- Slot-die coating
- Solution processed thin film coating
- Clean room operation
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Must be able to work well and safely without close supervision.
- Must interface successfully with engineers and personnel of other disciplines.
NEXT offers competitive salary and benefits: Salary Range $90 - 135k DOE