- 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, and design specifications
- Lead design trade studies for solar array architecture, cell selection, panel construction, and high-voltage bus compatibility
- Characterize solar array electrical and optical performance across illumination angles, temperature ranges, and space-environment conditions
- Lead internal design reviews and participate in supplier and customer reviews
- Define and support component-level and system-level test programs
- Serve as the subject matter expert for solar array vehicle integration
- Lead troubleshooting and anomaly resolution during integration and acceptance testing
- Communicate development status, risks, and challenges to program leadership and stakeholders
- Collaborate with manufacturing operations and supply chain on production transition and rate manufacturing
- Own and maintain drawings, BOMs, specifications, and analysis reports in the configuration management system
Requirements
- 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
- At least 3 years of experience in space applications
- Experience designing, specifying, procuring, and testing space-grade solar panels
- Experience with photovoltaic cell selection, panel construction, and adhesive systems
- Familiarity with solar panel design standards and test methods such as AIAA S-112
- Knowledge of vacuum, radiation, UV exposure, and thermal cycling effects on solar panels
- Experience with spacecraft high-voltage design above 50V
- Experience defining solar array interfaces and integrating with spacecraft power bus architectures
- Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted refugee or person granted asylum
- Preferred: advanced graduate degree in a relevant field
- Preferred: 8 or more years of solar panel development experience, including 5 or more years in space applications
- Preferred: proficiency with Creo, Ansys, MATLAB/Simulink, Simscape, or STK
- Preferred: experience with high-voltage or dual-voltage power bus architectures
- Preferred: familiarity with I-V curve characterization equipment and solar array simulators
- Preferred: experience with supplier and contract-manufacturer DFM/DFA optimization, quality, and production transition
- Strong written and verbal technical communication skills
- Ability to author specifications, test plans, and analysis reports independently
Core Competencies
Demonstrates expertise in the design and development of space-grade photovoltaic assemblies, including solar array requirements, testing, and integration with spacecraft power systems. Proficient in leading design reviews, troubleshooting, and communicating technical information effectively to stakeholders.
Highest-signal resume keywords
- Solar Panel Development
- Space Applications Experience
- Photovoltaic Cell Selection
- High-Voltage Design Above 50V
- Technical Communication Skills
ATS Optimization Keywords
Hard Skills
- Solar Array Design
- Photovoltaic Assembly Development
- Electrical Performance Characterization
- Adhesive Systems Knowledge
- Test Program Definition
- Interface Control Document Maintenance
- Design Trade Studies
- Specification Authoring
- I-V Curve Characterization
- DFM/DFA Optimization
Soft Skills
- Technical Communication
- Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
Industry Keywords
- Space-Grade Solar Panels
- Solar Panel Design Standards
- Vacuum Effects
- Radiation Effects
- Thermal Cycling Effects
- Configuration Management
- BOM Maintenance
- Production Transition
Tools & Technologies
- Creo
- Ansys
- MATLAB/Simulink
- Simscape
- STK