Test Engineer - Space Solar

Test Engineer – Space SolarThe Starlight team is focused on dramatically improving space solar power to support Starpath's core mission and the greater space economy. Starlight manufactures the lowest cost and highest performance space solar ever, which will power the majority of new satellites built on Earth and all of Starpath's equipment on the Moon and Mars.As a Test Engineer on the Starlight team, you will plan, build, and execute the tests that prove our solar hardware is ready for flight. From electrical characterization of individual cells through panel-level environmental testing, you'll stand up the test stands, write the procedures, run the campaigns, and analyze the data that drives our hardware decisions.ResponsibilitiesExecute test programs for space solar hardware — from cell-level electrical characterization through panel and array environmental testingBuild and operate test stands, fixtures, and data acquisition systems for electrical, thermal, mechanical, and environmental testingRun environmental tests — thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal cycling, vibration, shock, and humidity — including test setup, execution, and post-test data reviewPerform electrical characterization of solar hardware — LIV/flash testing, electroluminescence imaging, dark IV, and degradation analysisInvestigate test failures and anomalies; partner with design and manufacturing engineering to close issuesWrite and execute test procedures and contribute to qualification reportsInfluence hardware design from a testability perspective — flag instrumentation access, alignment features, and design choices that make hardware easier to qualifyPush back on unnecessary complexity — simplify test setups, eliminate redundant verification, and cut overhead wherever it doesn't add valueRequired QualificationsBachelor's or advanced degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, materials, physics, or a related engineering or science discipline1+ years of hardware test engineering experience (internship and academic research applicable)Hands-on experience with test instrumentation and data acquisitionPreferred QualificationsMaster's degree in an engineering or science disciplineDirect experience testing photovoltaic hardware — solar cells, strings, panels, or arrays — ideally multi-junction (III-V) or perovskite cells for space or other high-reliability applicationsHands-on experience operating solar simulators (e.g., Spectrolab, AAA-class) and interpreting LIV/flash test dataFamiliarity with electroluminescence imaging, dark IV analysis, and other diagnostic techniques for solar hardwareExperience supporting environmental test campaigns — TVAC, thermal cycling, vibration, shockFamiliarity with aerospace test standards (e.g., GEVS, MIL-STD-1540, AIAA S-111/S-112 for solar cells)Proficiency with LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, or equivalent for data acquisition and analysisExperience with test fixture and stand design, including thermal and electrical interfaces to hardware under testExposure to aerospace, space, or other high-reliability hardware environmentsCompensation & BenefitsLocation: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CACompetitive salary plus equity package; compensation scales with candidate experiencePTO & health/dental/vision coverage includedEAR REQUIREMENTS:To conform to U.S.

Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C.

§ 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.Equal OpportunityStarpath is an equal opportunity employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.