Principal Solar Process Engineer
Core
Define, qualify, and scale manufacturing processes for high-power satellite solar arrays to ensure performance, reliability, and production speed.
Role type
Principal Solar Process Engineer
Builds
High-power solar array systems for satellites destined for LEO to deep space missions
Domain
Aerospace / Satellite Manufacturing / Materials Science
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work
Required skills
Material selection and characterization, Process qualification and scaling, DOE and statistical analysis, Failure analysis and root cause investigation, Equipment evaluation and selection, Radiation effects modeling, Adhesive and composite systems knowledge, Thin film deposition and coating techniques, Python or MATLAB for data analysis, SPC implementation
Preferred skills
PhD in materials science or related field, Full lifecycle solar array process architecture, Multi-technology cell and interconnect experience, NASA standards compliance (AIAA S111/S112, NASA-STD-4005/5017/6016), Advanced material characterization tools (SEM, EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, XRD), Corrosion control and outgassing compatibility expertise
Technologies
SEM, EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, XRD, Python, MATLAB
Responsibilities
Develop, qualify, and optimize solar array manufacturing processes including interconnects, bonding, sintering, lamination, deposition, and coating; Conduct structured DOE and statistical analyses to diagnose manufacturing problems and validate corrective actions; Lead failure analysis, defect characterization, and root cause investigations for process anomalies; Establish qualification criteria, test envelopes, and characterization campaigns for radiation, thermal, mechanical, and plasma environments; Partner with cross-functional teams to define manufacturing-driven requirements and integrated testing; Mentor engineers and establish institutional process knowledge for solar array hardware at production scale
Seniority
Principal, hands-on IC with strategic impact