Solestial, Inc.

Solestial, Inc.

Automation Engineer

1121 West Warner Rd; Tempe, AZ 85284

Sponsorship not specifiedDetected 26 days ago
RoboticsPLCMechanical DesignElectrical EngineeringControlsCommunicationCollaborationProblem SolvingRenewable EnergyActuators

About the role

  • Program, configure, and commission automation hardware including PLCs, motion controllers, sensors, actuators, and machine vision systems.
  • Diagnose and resolve controls, electrical, mechanical, and software-related equipment issues.
  • Train technicians and operators on equipment operation and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, integrate, and troubleshoot automated manufacturing equipment and systems.
  • Develop machine architectures, control strategies, and automation solutions for solar cell and module manufacturing processes.
  • Design and implement equipment safety systems and interlocks.
  • Support development of robotic handling, alignment, inspection, and material transport systems.
  • Collaborate with Process Engineers and Manufacturing teams to improve throughput, yield, reliability, and equipment utilization.
  • Participate in equipment design reviews, risk assessments, and root cause investigations.
  • Create and maintain engineering documentation including schematics, specifications, operating procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
  • Work with external vendors and integrators to develop and deploy production systems.
  • As an Automation Engineer, you will design, develop, and support automated manufacturing equipment used to produce Solestial's next-generation solar cells and solar panels.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Experience troubleshooting complex electromechanical systems.
  • Ability to work across mechanical, electrical, controls, and software disciplines.
  • Hands-on experience with PLC programming and industrial control systems.
  • The ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams, with knowledge of industrial safety standards.
  • Experience taking equipment from prototype through production deployment.
  • Experience designing, building, commissioning, or supporting automated manufacturing equipment.
  • Experience with motion control systems, sensors, machine vision, robotics, or industrial automation.
  • Ability to collaborate across interdisciplinary engineering teams and independently progress equipment projects.
  • What Gives You an Edge
  • A background in robotics, machine vision, or precision positioning systems.
  • Experience developing automation for semiconductor, photovoltaic, electronics, aerospace, or other advanced manufacturing industries.

Skills

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Compensation

  • 401K with employer match up to 4% of salary

Benefits

  • Generous, high-quality medical, dental, and vision coverage on day one of employment
  • 15 vacation days, 5 sick days, and 10 paid holidays annually - with an extended holiday break at year's end
  • Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability and employer-sponsored life insurance
  • This role will focus on integrating motion systems, sensors, robotics, machine vision, safety systems, and manufacturing equipment into production-ready solutions.

Company info

  • Solestial is pioneering the future of space-based solar power by developing advanced solar technologies optimized for the harsh conditions of space.
  • Our innovative, low-cost, and scalable solar arrays are engineered for next-generation satellites, spacecraft, and orbital infrastructure.
  • We are driven by a mission to power the space economy and unlock limitless opportunities in orbit and beyond.
  • The Role: As an Automation Engineer, you will design, develop, and support automated manufacturing equipment used to produce Solestial's next-generation solar cells and solar panels.
  • You will work closely with Manufacturing, Process Engineering, Equipment Engineering, and Product Development teams to create reliable, scalable automation solutions that improve throughput, quality, and operational efficiency.
  • You will support both new equipment development and continuous improvement of existing production tools.
  • This is an on-site, hands-on role for someone who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges and building automation systems from concept through production deployment.
  • Tempe, Arizona
  • Your Mission
  • Support installation, qualification, and startup of new manufacturing equipment.
  • Follow safety requirements and contribute to a safe, organized, and efficient work environment.
  • What You Bring

This listing is sourced directly from Solestial, Inc.'s careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.