HQP – QS 207 Photovoltaics Space Solar Cells (SpacePV) Integration & Failure Analysis Expert / Scientist / Engineer (m/f/d)

About the role

**Powering the Future of Solar Technology with Qcells**

**At Qcells, we don’t just envision a greener future—we actively create it.**

As a global leader in photovoltaic technology and a proud member of the Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE® Global 500 enterprise, we are dedicated to shaping the next generation of solar energy. Our Center for Innovation, Technology and Quality in Thalheim (near Leipzig/Halle/Berlin) is home to over 200 experts driving advancements in solar cells and modules, “Engineered in Germany.”

We are currently looking for a highly motivated **SpacePV Integration \& Failure Analysis Expert** to strengthen our activities in **space\-qualified photovoltaic technologies**. If you are passionate about enabling reliable solar power under extreme space conditions and understanding complex degradation mechanisms, we would love to hear from you.

**Your Role: Driving Reliability \& Qualification for Space Applications**

As a key member of our R\&D team, you will focus on the **integration, reliability, and failure mechanisms of solar cells under space conditions**, while also supporting **qualification and certification activities according to relevant space standards (e.g. ESA / ECSS / JEC)**.

**Your Key Responsibilities:**

**Integration Under Extreme Conditions:**

* Analyse interactions between **materials, process steps, and device performance** under space\-relevant environments * Evaluate behaviour of device stacks under **radiation exposure, vacuum, and thermal cycling** * Develop strategies for **robust, radiation\-hard and long\-lifetime solar cells**

**Failure Analysis \& Degradation Mechanisms:**

* Perform **deep\-dive failure analyses** for performance degradation in space environments * Investigate **radiation\-induced degradation** (proton, electron, heavy ion irradiation) * Analyse **thermal cycling effects** and mechanical stress across mission profiles (LEO, MEO, GEO) * Identify and model **dominant degradation pathways and lifetime limitations**

**Qualification \& Standards Compliance:**

* Support and guide **qualification campaigns** according to **ESA / ECSS standards and JEC recommendations** * Define and interpret **test plans, irradiation campaigns, and environmental stress protocols** * Interface with **external test facilities and certification bodies** * Ensure traceability of results and alignment with **space\-grade reliability requirements**

**Data Integration \& Interpretation:**

* Combine **irradiation test results, environmental testing, process data, and characterization results (e.g. PL/EL)** * Correlate degradation behaviour with **device architecture and material systems** * Build and maintain **failure catalogues and degradation models** for space applications

**Collaboration \& Technology Transfer:**

* Collaborate with **internal R\&D, external partners, and aerospace stakeholders** * Support the transition of technologies into **qualified, production\-ready solutions** * Contribute to development of **next\-generation SpacePV concepts**

**Your Profile: Expertise in SpacePV \& Qualification Standards**

We are looking for a candidate with strong expertise in **space photovoltaics, harsh environment physics, and qualification requirements**.

**Your Qualifications:**

* Degree in physics, materials science, engineering, or related field (**PhD preferred**) * Proven experience in **space photovoltaics (SpacePV)** or space\-grade semiconductor technologies * Strong understanding of **radiation effects on solar cells and semiconductor devices** * Experience with **irradiation campaigns (proton, electron, heavy ions)** and data interpretation * Knowledge of **thermal cycling, vacuum behaviour, and environmental stress testing**

**Highly desirable:**

* Experience with **ESA / ECSS standards, JEC recommendations, or comparable space qualification frameworks** * Familiarity with **certification processes, qualification test flows, and reliability requirements for space missions** * Experience working with **external space agencies, certification bodies, or aerospace partners** * Strong background in **failure analysis and device physics** * Analytical, structured, and solution\-oriented working style * Ability to interpret complex degradation datasets and derive actionable insights * Strong communication skills in an international environment * Very good written and spoken English (German is a plus)

**Why Qcells?**

* Work on **next\-generation photovoltaic technologies for space applications** * Be part of a **highly innovative and interdisciplinary R\&D team** * Access to **advanced testing environments and international collaboration networks** * Contribute to **cutting\-edge developments in a rapidly growing field** * Help enable sustainable energy solutions beyond Earth

**Ready to Shape the Future of Solar Energy in Space?**

If you are excited about tackling the challenges of space environments and bringing solar technologies to qualified, mission\-ready systems, we want to hear from you.

**Apply today and join a team that’s redefining the solar industry—on Earth and beyond!**

Qcells is an equal\-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Please send your application including Cover Letter, CV and References to:

hr\-techgroup@qcells.eu

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Schlüsselwörter: MINT / STEM, Solar, Photovoltaik, Forschung, Entwicklung, F\&E / R\&D, Physik, Chemie, Ingenieur, Wissenschaftler, Chemiker, Physiker, Labor, MSA, ISO9001, ISO17025, ISO45001, TRGS 526