Solar Array Development Engineer III - Lunar Permanence

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 the Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin’s Blue Moon landers and related products. To further Blue Origin's mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth, we are building sustainable infrastructure for our transport of crew and cargo from Earth to the lunar surface.

As a Solar Array Development Engineer, you will own the material selection and process development of solar arrays for space missions, from concept and development to manufacturing. The engineer is ultimately responsible for delivering materials and processes that can survive the space environment while being high yield and manufacturable.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Aid in the design and development of advanced solar array systems for space vehicles.

• Take lead on solar cell mounting and interconnection design; implement the processes, from concept to manufacturing, ensuring high standards of quality and timely delivery despite technical and logistical challenges.
• Participate in requirement development and drive design decisions to meet mission objectives and satisfy requirements while balancing cost, schedule, and risk
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to ensure thorough and accurate design and documentation of components and assemblies
• Work with suppliers and Blue Origin groups to identify and procure components. Manage suppliers to procure, fabricate, and install flight hardware.
• Mentor design engineers to ensure sound design and manufacturing process principles are applied for component integrity
• Author and provide sign off for engineering drawings, engineering change notices, peer reviews, qualification documentation, and related documents
• Participate in technical peer reviews and gated reviews (preliminary, critical, and production readiness)
• Work in a fast-paced and often uncertain environment, contributing to innovative solutions while demonstrating personal leadership, technical competence, and attention to detail
• Support risk analyses, failure modes effects and criticality analyses (FMECA), design for test/manufacture/cost (DFx), and root-cause analysis of test discrepancies.
• Foster a collaborative environment, embracing diverse viewpoints to spur innovation and maintain a cohesive, mission-driven team dynamic.
• Maintain an unwavering commitment to learning and improvement, willingly seeking and integrating feedback for personal and team growth.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, material science, or electrical engineering or a related technical field.

• 5+ years of relevant experience in solar array, aerospace, or related industry
• Desire to work hands-on, both independently and as part of a team, throughout the development and production phases of the solar panel product lifecycle.
• Familiarity with solar panel thermal cycling fatigue failure mechanisms.
• Familiarity with typical solar panel adhesive materials, applications, and methods (e.g., EVA, silicones)
• Familiarity with typical space solar cell interconnect designs and methods (e.g., parallel gap resistance welding, soldering, surface mounting).
• Familiarity with the challenges of the space environment (e.g., radiation, atomic oxygen, UV, vacuum) and associated degradation mechanisms.
• Experience with manufacturing tooling and jig creation
• Proficiency with common drafting software (e.g., CREO, Autocad, Solidworks).
• Proficiency with common electrical engineering design and simulation software (e.g., MATLAB, Simscape, STK).
• 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 diverse audience.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

• Advanced graduate degree in in mechanical, material science, or electrical engineering or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in space solar array systems design, development, and test.
• Familiarity with solar array standards such as AIAA S-112 or equivalent ESA.
• Familiarity with NASA electronics manufacturing standards such as NASA-STD-8739.3 and NASA-STD-8739.4.
• Familiarity with NASA polymeric application in electronics manufacturing standards such as NASA-STD-8739.1.
• 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.
• Experience across the full product development lifecycle: concept definition, architecture, requirements capture and development, implementation, verification, system integration, qualification, and release.
• Detailed knowledge of electrical power generation using photovoltaic devices including III-V and silicon solar cells

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, 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.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• 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 [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.