Senior Spacecraft Solar Array Engineer- TeraWave Verified today

About TeraWave

Blue Origin is developing TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network with optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO). The constellation will deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth.

The Role

You will serve as Responsible Engineer (RE) for the solar array, the primary power generation system for the TeraWave spacecraft bus. You will own the full product lifecycle from early concept through prototyping, qualification, and production release at constellation scale. The solar array spans electrical, mechanical, thermal, optical, and manufacturing domains, integrating directly with spacecraft structure, harness, and Electrical Power Subsystem. This is a senior technical leadership role requiring you to drive requirements, lead design reviews, coordinate across disciplines, and serve as subject matter expert from design through vehicle integration.

Responsibilities

• Own the full design and development of space-grade photovoltaic assemblies from concept through flight-qualified, production-ready hardware
• Derive and maintain solar array requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and design specifications in coordination with systems engineering and adjacent subsystems including EPS, thermal, structures, harness, and manufacturing
• Lead design trade studies for solar array architecture, cell selection, panel construction, and high-voltage bus compatibility; document results and drive decisions
• Characterize solar array electrical and optical performance across illumination angles, temperature ranges, and space environment conditions including radiation, UV, and thermal cycling
• Lead internal design reviews and participate in supplier and customer reviews; champion design for test, manufacture, and cost (DFx) principles throughout development
• Define and support component-level and system-level test programs including characterization, risk reduction, qualification, and integrated vehicle-level testing
• Serve as the subject matter expert for solar array integration into the vehicle; lead troubleshooting and anomaly resolution during integration and acceptance testing
• Communicate development status, risks, and challenges clearly and regularly to program leadership and stakeholders
• Collaborate with manufacturing operations and supply chain to ensure smooth transition to production and support ongoing rate manufacturing
• Own and maintain the complete solar array design package, including drawings, BOMs, specifications, and analysis reports within the configuration management system

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or Materials Science Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field
• 5 or more years of direct hands-on experience in solar panel or photovoltaic assembly development, with at least 3 years in space applications
• Demonstrated experience designing, specifying, procuring, and testing space-grade solar panels, including photovoltaic cell selection, panel construction, and adhesive systems
• Familiarity with solar panel design standards and test methods such as AIAA S-112, including knowledge of space environment effects on solar panels: vacuum, radiation, UV exposure, and thermal cycling
• Experience with high-voltage spacecraft design above 50V, including solar array interface definition and integration with spacecraft power bus architectures
• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, as required for access to export-controlled technical data

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced graduate degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or Materials Science Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• 8 or more years of solar panel development experience, with 5 or more years in space applications
• Subject matter expertise in solar array architecture trade studies, performance characterization, and component selection
• Experience leading or substantially contributing to a formal qualification campaign per AIAA S-112 or a directly comparable standard
• Proficiency with engineering design and simulation tools such as Creo, Ansys, MATLAB/Simulink, Simscape, or STK
• Experience with high-voltage or dual-voltage power bus architectures and the associated solar array interface requirements
• Familiarity with I-V curve characterization equipment and solar array simulators for qualification and production acceptance testing
• Experience collaborating with suppliers and contract manufacturers on DFM/DFA optimization, quality, and production transition
• Strong written and verbal technical communication skills, with demonstrated ability to author specifications, test plans, and analysis reports independently

Compensation

Base pay range (varies by location):

• CA: $156,802.00 - $219,522.45
• CO: $144,179.00 - $201,849.90
• WA: $156,802.00 - $219,522.45

Other site ranges may differ. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match up to 5%, education support program, stock options for regular employees, and up to four weeks paid time off plus 14 company-paid holidays annually.