Solution Processed Coating Research Engineer II

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 eAs 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

QualificationsB.S. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field0-5 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 - $Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement Don’t meet all desired…