Equipment Technician | Night Shift

About the company

At Swift Solar, our mission is to unlock the full potential of solar energy. We believe that solar energy has vast untapped potential to power our lives, fuel economies, and strengthen supply chains, while protecting planetary health in the face of global climate change. The reality is that today's solar technology is good, but not good enough. 

Swift Solar is making solar better with its breakthrough tandem technology that harnesses the power of perovskite materials to create solar solutions that are not only more efficient than traditional technology but also more versatile, enabling applications ranging from space solar to utility-scale power generation. 

Swift Solar is a mission-focused startup supported by the US government and backed by world-class investors. It’s a long journey to bring a new clean energy technology to market, and we’re in it for the long haul, together. Join our extraordinary team building the cutting-edge solar technology that will shape the future of the global solar industry. 

A night in the life

As an Equipment Technician on the night shift, your mission is to keep Swift's laboratory operations running smoothly after hours, performing hands-on maintenance and service support for our deposition tools and process equipment, and making sure the morning team walks into a lab that's ready to go.

On a typical night, you might start by reviewing active work orders and checking equipment status, flagging anything that looks off to the Senior Equipment Controls Engineer. When a tool needs attention, you'll be on the ground diagnosing and addressing the issue, whether it's a vacuum leak, a pump concern, or a mechanical fault, and escalating to the Senior Equipment Controls Engineer when needed. You'll support restarts of vacuum systems and tools, assist with reviewing thin-film metrology results, and help dig into tool logs under their guidance. Throughout the shift, you'll work closely with Process Technicians, sharing knowledge and helping maintain safe, efficient operations carrying out the work scoped by engineers and scientists during the day.

Beyond the tools themselves, you'll perform routine maintenance on facility equipment like compressors, gloveboxes, and chilled water systems, support spare-part tracking and consumables inventory, and flag opportunities for operational improvements. This is a role where strong hands-on instincts, attention to detail, and a team-first attitude come together, and as an early member of the night shift team, you'll have a real hand in shaping how Swift operates around the clock.

You might be a good fit if you... 

• Have 3–5+ years of equipment maintenance experience in vacuum deposition, semiconductor manufacturing, or a related field
• Are comfortable troubleshooting and repairing both mechanical and electrical systems (high and low voltage)
• Have a working understanding of vacuum chamber pumping, including mechanical, turbo, and cryogenic pumps — and are familiar with vacuum gauges, valves, and related components
• Can support process monitoring and assist engineers in bringing deposition equipment back into spec
• Have general EHS/safety knowledge and can identify and help escalate safety concerns related to equipment and materials
• Are organized, reliable, and a clear communicator who can effectively hand off information between shifts

A very strong candidate might bring one or more of the following...

• Hands-on experience with thin-film vacuum systems or inline deposition equipment
• Familiarity with sputtering, evaporation, or ALD thin-film processes
• Experience rebuilding mechanical or cryogenic pumps
• Experience in a startup or high-mix manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of EHS standards and codes
• A passion for sustainability and Swift's mission to unlock the full potential of solar energy

The logistics

• Compensation: Competitive package including salary, equity, and benefits
• Expected Pay Range: $34 - $43 per hour + 15% shift differential
• The actual offer, reflecting total compensation and benefits, will be determined by factors such as relevant experience, skills, and other qualifications 
• Ideal start date: May - June 2026
• Job type: Full-time, 10pm-6:30am
• Location: San Carlos, CA (Swift Solar HQ)

What you’ll love about Swift

• Work with purpose: Join our mission to unlock the full potential of solar energy and make a global impact. 
• Lead with innovation: Be part of an extraordinary team building cutting-edge solar technology - growth mindset; culture
• Thrive with benefits: Have 100% of your monthly premiums for HMO / PPO group healthcare plan options and 75% of your dental and vision insurance premiums covered by us. Employees also benefit from 401(k) matching, clean commuter benefits, and meaningful equity. 
• Invest in your career: You’ll grow your skills, your network, and your perspective at Swift. We’ll support you in attending conferences and taking online courses, as long as you share your new insights with the team.

We recognize that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often hesitate to apply if they don’t meet all the criteria. If you’re excited about this role and believe you can contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t meet every qualification listed. We're eager to meet people from all backgrounds, and your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need.

If you believe in our mission, but this isn’t the right job for you, please check out other career opportunities on our website and email us at careers@swiftsolar.com with any questions. And if you have a friend who would be a perfect fit, send them this link. Thanks!

Swift is an equal opportunity employer. We value an inclusive work environment and welcome team members of all backgrounds and perspectives.