Senior Space Solar Array Development Engineer

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Own process development and qualification for SPM fabrication: cell stringing, encapsulant layup, lamination, and electrical/optical acceptance testing
• Lead equipment selection, installation, and commissioning — including vacuum laminators, tab-and-string automation, EL imaging systems, and solar simulators/flash testers
• Drive VSM and takt time analysis from prototype builds to high-rate production; provide DFM input to mechanical and electrical design teams
• Develop and maintain PFMEAs and control plans; lead root cause investigation and corrective action for process escapes and yield losses
• Author process specifications, work instructions, and traveler documentation per AS9100 / spaceflight quality requirements
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians
• Contribute to the cost reduction roadmap through yield improvement and cycle time reduction

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related technical discipline
• 7+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing process development — photovoltaic, electronics, thin-film, or comparable precision assembly
• Demonstrated ownership mentality: a track record of taking initiative, following through on commitments, and driving problems to closure without being asked
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to learn new processes and technologies quickly
• Collaborative team player with clear, direct communication skills and a history of working constructively across disciplines
• Willingness to seek and integrate feedback; an optimistic, resilient attitude in the face of technical and schedule challenges

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with vacuum lamination, polymer encapsulants, and cell layup for solar modules or comparable laminated assemblies
• Experience with SPC, gauge R&R, control plans, EL imaging, AOI, and IV/flash testing
• Familiarity with space-grade PV assemblies and space environmental test requirements (TVAC, thermal cycling, ESD)
• Experience establishing a new manufacturing facility or production cell from greenfield

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Hands-on experience with vacuum lamination, polymer encapsulants, and cell layup for solar modules or comparable laminated assemblies
• Experience with SPC, gauge R&R, control plans, EL imaging, AOI, and IV/flash testing
• Familiarity with space-grade PV assemblies and space environmental test requirements (TVAC, thermal cycling, ESD)
• Experience establishing a new manufacturing facility or production cell from greenfield

Benefits

• 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%
• 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

Pay

TBD

Schedule

TBD