Title: Solar Module Design Engineer – Solar Center of Excellence

Location: Greater Seattle Area | Los Angeles, CA

Position Type: Full time

Requisition ID: R61149

Description:

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! 

This role is part of Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin’s mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design.

As part of a hardworking team of specialists, technicians, and engineers, you will play a key role in advancing Blue Origin's solar power capabilities to support next-generation spacecraft and constellation programs. You will own the solar power module, its design, testing, and improvement. This role requires a dynamic individual who is results-oriented and possesses a strong propensity for action. Our ideal candidate is someone who not only excels in the design and development of both rigid and flexible solar array systems for space vehicles but also demonstrates a profound commitment to our bold mission.

Special Mentions:

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 15% of the time
• Interviews will include a technical assessment

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Perform electrical performance characterization and testing of solar cells, strings, and modules using calibrated solar simulators
• Assist in the development and validation of string layouts, voltage architecture, and electrical interfaces for solar array designs
• Drive design and manufacturing process development of high-volume-manufactured, low-cost photovoltaic assemblies for space applications
• Develop new tests to characterize degradation mechanisms and predict the performance of proposed designs through product life
• Coordinate design trades considering mechanical, optical, electrical, thermal, and cost performance for the solar power module
• Maintain an unwavering commitment to learning and improvement, willingly seeking and integrating feedback for personal and team growth

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field
• 5+ years of relevant experience in design and hardware development
• 1+ years of experience in space solar array systems design, development, and testing, with direct experience in flexible/deployable solar arrays
• Detailed knowledge of electrical power generation using photovoltaic devices including III-V and silicon solar cells
• Detailed understanding of space solar array design, manufacturing, and testing including cell selection, CIC stringing and laydown, panel and wing assembly, and acceptance and qualification testing
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex project requirements and achieve exceptional outcomes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of following through on commitments and achieving goals
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to articulate technical concepts to a varied audience
• A history of facing challenges with tenacity and resilience, showing an optimistic and determined attitude

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS or Ph.D. degree in engineering or science
• Detailed knowledge of solar array wire harnessing methods and interconnects for rigid and flexible solar arrays
• 5+ years of experience in space solar array systems design, development, and testing, with direct experience in flexible/deployable solar arrays
• Familiarity with terrestrial solar panel design, high-rate manufacturing, and prototyping

Compensation Range for:

CA applicants is $130,706.00 - $182,987.70WA applicants is $130,706.00 - $182,987.70

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

• Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

California Applicant Privacy Notice

If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.