Solution Processed Coating Research Engineer II

Job description

Application close date: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed. At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!  This role is part of Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin’s mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design. Mission At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!  About the Rol e As a Solution Processed Coating Research Engineer, you will execute and optimize solution-processed deposition to produce thin-film layers for advanced perovskite photovoltaic devices. Working alongside the lead engineer, you will prepare precursor inks, run coating experiments, characterize resulting films, and contribute to process optimization. This is a highly hands-on laboratory role with opportunities to develop deep expertise in coating science and thin-film materials. Responsibilities Prepare precursor solutions and functional inks following established formulations, including weighing, dissolving, filtering, and rheology verification Operate spin coaters, blade coaters, and slot die coating systems to deposit thin-film layers per DOE plans Execute annealing and post-treatment protocols (thermal, vacuum, gas-quench, anti-solvent) Perform film characterization: profilometry, optical microscopy, UV-Vis, photoluminescence, spectroscopy, contact angle, and surface roughness measurements Maintain detailed lab notebooks documenting ink preparation, coating parameters, environmental conditions, and results Support DOE campaigns by preparing substrate batches, executing parameter sweeps, and compiling statistical results Maintain coating equipment including cleaning, calibration, consumable replacement, and troubleshooting Analyze experimental data and present findings to the team with clear visualizations and trend identification Assist with ink shelf-life studies, accelerated aging experiments, and process capability assessments Perform routine laboratory and equipment maintenance: glovebox purification system regeneration, solvent trap replacement, coating head disassembly and cleaning, and pump servicing Manage chemical and consumables inventory (solvents, precursors, substrates, filters, blades) and coordinate reorders to prevent supply gaps Maintain lab cleanliness and organization including fume hoods, glovebox interiors, chemical hygiene, waste solvent collection, and hazardous waste disposal scheduling Qualifications B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field 0-5 years of experience in solution-processed thin-film deposition (academic or industry) Hands-on laboratory experience with wet chemistry techniques (solution preparation, spin coating, blade coating, slot-die coating) Basic understanding of solution thermodynamics, crystallization, and film formation from liquid precursors Familiarity with standard thin-film characterization (profilometry, optical microscopy, UV-Vis) Demonstrated safe handling practices for laboratory chemicals and solvents Strong organizational skills and attention to experimental documentation Preferred Qualifications Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field Experience with slot die, gravure, or other scalable coating techniques Familiarity with perovskite, organic photovoltaic, or nanoparticle ink systems Experience with rheology measurement and ink characterization Knowledge of DOE methodology and statistical analysis (JMP, Minitab, Python, or R) Experience working in a glovebox or controlled-atmosphere environment Coursework or research experience in colloid science, polymer science, or surface chemistry Base Pay Range for: WA applicants is $99,201.00 - $138,880.35 Other site ranges may differ Culture Statement Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Export Control Regulations Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Background Check Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training. Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical Benefits Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program. Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week) Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays. Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details. Equal Employment Opportunity Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here . Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com . Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.