Lead Solar Array Engineer
Listed on 2026-06-13
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Engineering
Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineer, Aerospace / Aviation / Avionics
Our client an exciting Space company are looking for a Spacecraft Solar Array Engineer to lead 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.
What you’ll be doing :- Lead the design and architecture of spacecraft solar array systems, including cell selection, panel configuration, and array sizing
- Develop power budgets and perform orbital energy balance and end-of-life performance analysis
- Define detailed specifications, ICDs, and technical documentation for solar array assemblies and subsystems
- Perform electrical, thermal, and structural analysis to ensure performance across launch and on-orbit conditions
- Support the design of deployment and articulation mechanisms alongside structures and mechanisms teams
- Plan and execute qualification and environmental testing, including vibration, thermal vacuum, and life testing
- Work closely with manufacturing and supply chain to ensure quality, traceability, and scalability of flight hardware
- 5+ years of experience in spacecraft power systems, solar arrays, or space-based photovoltaic hardware
- Strong understanding of solar array design, including string configuration, voltage regulation, and performance modelling
- Experience with CAD and engineering analysis tools across electrical or electromechanical systems
- Hands-on experience with prototyping, assembly, and test of hardware
- Familiarity with environmental testing for space hardware such as vibration, thermal, and radiation
- Practical experience with soldering and solar cell interconnection techniques
- Experience designing or qualifying flight solar arrays or deployable systems
- Knowledge of space standards such as NASA, ECSS, or MIL
- Experience with flexible or lightweight solar array technologies
- Understanding of radiation effects and long-term degradation of solar cells
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