| Location | Palo Alto, CA |
| Salary | $109,600–$234,000 Per Year |
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.
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
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:
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.