Solar Failure Analysis Engineer, Energy Products

Role details

What to Expect

The Failure Analysis Team's mission is to determine root cause and contributing factors to improve the experience of Tesla's Solar Products by reducing field issues, in collaboration with large cross-section of other engineering teams. Engineers and Technicians on the team are responsible for analyzing solar panel systems, including photovoltaic modules, inverters, and balance-of-system components. This is an individual contributor role with great internal visibility role that requires extensive hands-on work focused on failure analysis and root cause activities.

We are seeking a multi-faceted individual who will be responsible for all aspects of identifying, analyzing, root causing, implementing countermeasures, and reporting on issues affecting solar panel systems, including photovoltaic cell degradation, encapsulation failures, electrical faults, and interconnection issues.

To be effective in this role, the engineer will need to be intimately familiar with the detailed behavior of photovoltaic modules, inverter circuits, and solar system architectures, along with the tools and equipment used in their design and manufacture. They will work with other Engineering teams to root cause and implement countermeasures of field issues to improve quality, reliability, and durability of solar products.

Tesla offers the opportunity to work on industry leading products and bleeding edge technology in a fast paced, dynamic, and high visibility role.

What You'll Do

• Drive issue resolution from root cause analysis to countermeasure implementation on solar panels and balance-of-system components from Tesla's Solar products
• Investigate photovoltaic modules, inverters, connectors, and mounting systems to identify root cause of failure in Tesla's Solar products
• Design and conduct fault replication tests and experiments on photovoltaic modules and inverter circuits, including cell/module characterization, electrical performance testing, and accelerated degradation studies
• Use analytical tools and techniques including electroluminescence (EL) imaging, infrared thermography, X-Ray, microscopic inspection, cross sectioning, SEM, and I-V curve analysis
• Collaborate with appropriate engineers, suppliers, and contract manufacturers to drive resolution to the identified failure causes
• Provide inputs to design and manufacturing teams to improve design and production yield. Can be achieved through lessons learnt, product teardowns etc. helping to identify risks
• Support design reviews and DFMEAs based on prior failure experience
• Candidate should be detail oriented, and excellent communication skills

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or equivalent experience
• Strong demonstrable hands-on experience with solar testing equipment: Solar simulators, IV curve tracers, multimeters, thermography cameras, and electroluminescence imaging systems
• Knowledge of or Willingness to learn different failure analysis techniques including electroluminescence (EL), infrared thermography, X-Ray, cross sectioning, SEM, FTIR, and accelerated testing protocols (IEC 61215, IEC 61646)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required
• Photovoltaic module design, materials science, or semiconductor manufacturing experience a strong plus
• Experience with soldering, microelectronics assembly, and module encapsulation processes is desirable

Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

• Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
• Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
• Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
• Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
• Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
• Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
• Tesla Babies program
• Commuter benefits
• Employee discounts and perks program
• Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)

Expected Compensation

$109,600 - $234,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Tesla is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.