Senior Space Solar Array Development Engineer Verified today
The Role
As a Senior Space Solar Array Development Engineer in Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), you will own R&D process development and qualification for solar panel module (SPM) fabrication, from incoming cell inspection through final photovoltaic assembly (PVA) build. You will lead equipment commissioning, drive value stream mapping from prototype to high-rate production, mentor junior engineers and technicians, and work cross-functionally with design, test, and automation teams. This is a hands-on, prototype-to-production role for someone who moves fast, learns faster, and takes ownership.
Key Responsibilities
- Own process development and qualification for SPM fabrication: cell stringing, encapsulant layup, lamination, and electrical/optical acceptance testing
- Lead equipment selection, installation, and commissioning, including vacuum laminators, tab-and-string automation, EL imaging systems, and solar simulators/flash testers
- Drive value stream mapping and takt time analysis from prototype builds to high-rate production; provide design for manufacturability (DFM) input to mechanical and electrical design teams
- Develop and maintain PFMEAs and control plans; lead root cause investigation and corrective action for process escapes and yield losses
- Author process specifications, work instructions, and traveler documentation per AS9100 and spaceflight quality requirements
- Mentor junior engineers and technicians
- Contribute to the cost reduction roadmap through yield improvement and cycle time reduction
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related technical discipline
- 7+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing process development, photovoltaic, electronics, thin-film, or comparable precision assembly
- Demonstrated ownership mentality: a track record of taking initiative, following through on commitments, and driving problems to closure without being asked
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to learn new processes and technologies quickly
- Collaborative team player with clear, direct communication skills and a history of working constructively across disciplines
- Willingness to seek and integrate feedback; an optimistic, resilient attitude in the face of technical and schedule challenges
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with vacuum lamination, polymer encapsulants, and cell layup for solar modules or comparable laminated assemblies
- Experience with SPC, gauge R&R, control plans, EL imaging, AOI, and IV/flash testing
- Experience scaling a manufacturing process from research/engineering builds to high-rate production
- Familiarity with space-grade PV assemblies and space environmental test requirements (TVAC, thermal cycling, ESD)
- Experience establishing a new manufacturing facility or production cell from greenfield
Logistics
- Relocation provided
- Travel expected up to 15% of the time
- Interviews will include a technical assessment
Employment Requirements
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability
- 401(k) with company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program
- Stock options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours per week)
- Paid time off: up to four weeks per year based on scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays
- Bonus eligibility dependent on role type and job level (not guaranteed)