Senior Space Solar Array Development Engineer

Location: Central

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

This role is part of Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin’s mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design.

As part of a hardworking team of specialists, technicians, and engineers, 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 shoulder-to-shoulder with design, test, and automation.

This is a hands-on, prototype-to-production role for someone who moves fast, learns faster, and takes ownership.

Special Mentions [ Edit or remove as needed ]Relocation provided

Travel expected up to 15% of the time Interviews will include a technical assessment

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

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 VSM and takt time analysis from prototype builds to high-rate production; provide 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 / 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 discipline7+ 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

Culture Statement Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.

You may be just the right candidate…