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 who are driving advancements in solar cells and modules, “Engineered in Germany.”

We are currently on the lookout for a passionate and talented Data Engineer to join our R&D team and push the boundaries of solar cell technology. If you’re excited about pioneering research and bringing groundbreaking solar solutions to market, we’d love to hear from you!

Your Role: Driving Innovation in Data Engineering for Solar Cells

As a vital member of our dynamic and international R&D team, you will play a crucial role in advancing our data engineering for high-efficiency perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell technology. Your expertise will not only help strengthen our technology leadership but also help drive innovations toward commercial-scale applications.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Drive Data Engineering Initiatives: Enhance our data infrastructure and build robust data pipelines for data acquired during the development of high-efficiency tandem solar cells at our state-of-the-art R&D facility in Thalheim near Leipzig/Halle/Berlin.
• Focus on Research and Development: Concentrate your efforts on creating modern and robust data pipelines to ingest, process, and structure tracking, tool log, and metrology data. Leverage existing resources and collaborate with our operations, process and characterization teams to integrate their workflows.
• Evaluate and Design Data Structures: Assess and design data structures, implementing solutions across multiple R&D departments to enhance data accessibility and usability.
• Lead Data Centralization Efforts: Oversee the merging and centralization of extensive data sources associated with individual solar cell IDs, including meta data, tabular data, process tool data and image data from the processing and testing during solar cell and module manufacturing.
• Optimize Database Architectures: Guide the optimization of database architectures to ensure performance, scalability, and maintainability, while identifying best practices to transitioning from legacy tools.
• Implement Data Querying and Visualization Interfaces: Develop essential data querying and visualization interfaces for our data scientists and process technologists, in close collaboration with the team.
• Design Interactive Web-Based Frontends: Create user-friendly, interactive web-based frontends that facilitate with SQL-based databases.
• Collaborate within an International Network: Work closely within our international, interdisciplinary R&D and manufacturing network to identify and guide development activities.
• Produce High-Quality Evaluations and Reports: Generate comprehensive evaluations and reports of your findings, providing clear decision-making templates for management.
• Engage in Team Discussions: Actively participate in team discussions, contributing innovative ideas for new research directions and development initiatives.

Your Profile: Expertise Meets Passion

We are seeking a self-driven and innovative scientist or engineer with a robust background in data or software engineering.

Your Qualifications:

• Education Background: A degree in computer science, engineering, physics or mathematics.
• Extensive Knowledge in Software Engineering; proficient in the following areas:
  • SQL-based databases, including their design, optimization, and maintenance.
  • Python-based data processing (numpy, pandas) and SQL interaction (SQLAlchemy).
  • ETL process pipelines (e.g. Talend Open Studio, Apache NiFi).
  • Pipeline orchestration (e.g. Apache Airflow).
  • Frontend development for databases (e.g. NocoDB).
  • Familiarity with modern MES, SCADA, or smart factory systems is advantageous.
• Strong Communication Skills: Ability to articulate the benefits and trade-offs of various backend and frontend software packages and hardware architectures, while effectively charting a path that optimizes user experience, data comprehension, cost efficiency, and implementation timelines.
• Structured Approach to Software Development: Clear and organized methodology in software development, including clean coding practices, version control (Git), and CI/CD pipelines. Capable of supporting the data science team in implementing best practices in software architecture.
• Industry Experience: Preferably, industry experience in photovoltaics or semiconductor technology sectors.
• Analytical Problem-Solving Skills: A goal-oriented, systematic, and analytical approach to addressing challenges.
• Teamwork and Organizational Skills: Strong ability to collaborate effectively within a team and maintain organizational efficiency.
• Language Proficiency: Very good spoken and written English skills; proficiency in German is considered a plus.

Why Qcells?

• Work on cutting-edge solar technology with a global leader, backed by the resourceful Hanwha Group.
• Become part of a collaborative and diverse team in an innovative environment.
• Gain access to a state-of-the-art R&D facilities and cutting-edge research projects.
• Enjoy competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, and a mission-driven culture that values sustainability and innovation.

Ready to Shape the Future of Solar Energy?

Take this opportunity to advance the future of solar power with Qcells. If you’re passionate about solar technology and eager to pioneer technological breakthroughs, we want to hear from you. Apply today and join a team that’s redefining the solar industry! Please send your application including cover letter, CV and credentials to Recruiting@q-cells.com.

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

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