Head of Solar
The Role
Solar power isn’t a subsystem at K2, it’s the capability that makes everything else possible. Our arrays are what allow us to operate at power levels no satellite has ever sustained, across the most demanding orbits in the solar system. Getting that right, at scale, is one of the most consequential engineering challenges in the company.
As Head of Solar, you’ll own it entirely. From early-stage technology development and module innovation through design maturation, manufacturing, test, and on-orbit performance – the solar array program is yours to build and lead. You will grow a cross-functional organization spanning design, analysis, manufacturing, and integration, and set the technical direction and operational cadence needed to meet our most ambitious cost, schedule, and reliability targets.
The missions we’re building toward are unlike anything the industry has flown: extreme radiation environments, multi-year lifetimes, and production volumes that demand manufacturing infrastructure built for rate and not one-off heroics. This is a rare opportunity to define what world-class solar engineering looks like inside a vertically integrated space company, and to build the team and systems that make it real.
Responsibilities
Build, scale, and lead the Solar Engineering organization across design, manufacturing, process, and automation disciplines
Own the solar hardware technical baseline end-to-end: from array and module design through process qualification, tooling and automation infrastructure, and flight-ready production delivery
Take hardware and mechanisms from conceptual design through qualification to on-orbit operations, including hands-on testing, analysis, and iterative design refinement
Identify and invest in transformative technologies that unlock step-change improvements in rate, reliability, and unit economics
Set the strategic direction for how solar hardware is designed and manufactured at scale, establishing the systems, processes, and standards that enable high-rate production
Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, company processes, and best practices for hardware design and manufacturing
Represent Solar Engineering at the executive level driving alignment on technical direction, risk, and program execution
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline
8+ years of experience with mechanical and/or electromechanical design and analysis in solar or electro-mechanical systems
4+ years of experience building and leading large, multi-disciplinary engineering teams including managing managers and developing senior ICs across multiple functional areas
Demonstrated ability to own a complex engineering function end-to-end through major program phases, from development and design iteration through production ramp and sustained delivery
Executive-level communication and stakeholder management skills
Experience with CAD or FEA software packages
Nice to Have
Direct experience leading solar array engineering for space applications, spanning design, module interconnect processes, module lamination, integrated PVA construction, and flight array integration
Demonstrated background scaling a multi-disciplinary engineering organization from early-stage development to full-rate production in a high-reliability or aerospace environment
Hands-on background in robotics, vision-guided assembly, or electromechanical controls for manufacturing applications
Experience designing, building, and testing moving mechanical assemblies for aerospace applications (satellite mechanical systems, payloads, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and/or aircraft structures and mechanisms)
Experience with NASA-STD-5017, SMC-S-016, and GSFC-STD-7000 for the design and qualification of in-space Moving Mechanism Assemblies
Experience with the practical application of GD&T
Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills across disciplines
Compensation and Benefits:
Base salary range for this role is $200,000 - $250,000 + equity in the company
Salary and level will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks