Spacecraft Solar Array Engineer

Spacecraft Solar Array Engineer

Overview Energy is a mission-driven team committed to delivering Space Solar Energy to the world. We operate at the intersection of space infrastructure and energy abundance, providing baseload power across entire continents 24/7, without seasonality or the need for batteries. Headquartered in the Washington, DC area and backed by world-class investors, we are advancing the next generation of clean energy technology.

The Role

Overview Energy's Spacecraft Solar Array Engineer leads the design, development, qualification, and in-orbit performance optimization of spacecraft solar array and power generation systems from concept through end-of-life. The role blends spacecraft power subsystem engineering, structural and thermal design awareness, and hands-on test and integration work to deliver reliable, lightweight, and highly efficient photovoltaic power solutions for orbital and deep-space missions. The ideal candidate has experience with space-rated photovoltaic technologies, deployable solar array mechanisms, and spacecraft power architectures, and can own the solar array subsystem from requirements definition through flight support.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and design spacecraft solar array systems, including cell technology selection, string and panel configuration, array sizing, and interfaces
• Perform power budget development, orbital energy balance analyses, and end-of-life power predictions across mission scenarios, eclipse seasons, and pointing constraints
• Develop detailed design specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), and technical documentation for solar panels, harnessing, deployment mechanisms, and array drive assemblies using CAD and industry-standard analysis tools
• Conduct electrical, mechanical, and thermal analyses of solar array assemblies, including structural margins for launch loads, thermal gradients, degradation, and pointing performance impacts
• Support design of deployment and articulation solutions (hinges, hold-down and release mechanisms, solar array drive mechanisms), working with mechanisms and structures engineers to balance stiffness, strength, mass, and deployment reliability
• Define, plan, and execute qualification and acceptance test campaigns for solar array assemblies and subcomponents, including electrical, mechanical, environmental, and life testing
• Work with manufacturing and supply chain to ensure design-for-manufacturability, process control, and traceability of space-qualified photovoltaic materials and components

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with a focus on power or space systems
• 5+ years of experience in spacecraft power systems, spacecraft solar arrays, or closely related photovoltaic hardware for space applications (cell, module, panel, or array-level)
• Strong proficiency with CAD and analysis tools for mechanical and/or electromechanical design, plus experience with solar array sizing and performance modeling
• Experience with power system design (voltage regulation, string configuration, bypass diodes)
• Experience with rapid prototyping and hands-on electrical and mechanical assembly
• Experience in soldering techniques relevant to solar module assembly, including hand soldering, reflow methods, and cell interconnection (tabbing/stringing)
• Experience with environmental and qualification testing relevant to flight hardware (e.g., vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, radiation), including test planning and data review
• U.S. citizenship required

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Electrical, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering with emphasis on spacecraft power systems or space photovoltaics
• Hands-on experience with design and qualification of spacecraft solar arrays, solar array drive mechanisms, or power distribution hardware for flight programs
• Experience with lightweight, flexible solar array stackups and associated support structures
• Familiarity with space qualification and reliability standards (e.g., NASA, ECSS, MIL standards) applicable to power and structural hardware
• Experience…