Senior Spacecraft Solar Array Engineer

BLUE ORIGIN

Senior engineer owning space-grade solar array development for Blue Origin’s TeraWave satellite communications network. Leading design, testing, integration, and production at constellation scale.

Posted 8/4/2026full-timeCalifornia, Colorado, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $144,179 - $219,522 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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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 DevelopmentSpace Applications ExperiencePhotovoltaic Cell SelectionHigh-Voltage Design Above 50VTechnical Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Solar Array DesignPhotovoltaic Assembly DevelopmentElectrical Performance CharacterizationAdhesive Systems KnowledgeTest Program DefinitionInterface Control Document MaintenanceDesign Trade StudiesSpecification AuthoringI-V Curve CharacterizationDFM/DFA Optimization

Soft Skills

Technical CommunicationCollaborationProblem-Solving

Tools & Technologies

CreoAnsysMATLAB/SimulinkSimscapeSTK

Industry Keywords

Space-Grade Solar PanelsSolar Panel Design StandardsVacuum EffectsRadiation EffectsThermal Cycling EffectsConfiguration ManagementBOM MaintenanceProduction Transition

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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

What you’ll need

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

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability
401(k) with company match of up to 5%
Education Support Program
Stock Options for all regular employees working at least 20 hours/week
Up to four weeks of Paid Time Off per year based on weekly scheduled hours
Up to 14 company-paid holidays
Potential eligibility for benefits and bonuses based on role type, job level, individual contributions, and company results