Senior Solar Design Engineer
The Role
Critical to achieving K2's vision of deploying at scale across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space are the solar arrays. Scaling to constellations requires engineers who can span technical domains from module technology and electrical power system interactions to soft goods, deployment mechanisms, structures, integration, and high-rate production.
You will drive the design, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of high-power solar arrays at production scale. The development timelines, operating environments, mission lifetimes, and cost targets we are pursuing demand meaningful innovation — you will tackle these challenges with the full resources and support of K2.
Responsibilities
Design and deliver solar array electrical and mechanical subsystems, contributing to system architecture and lifecycle performance margin analysis
Develop and maintain electrical performance degradation models across environment variations including radiation, thermal cycling, and UV exposure
Define and execute assembly-level acceptance and qualification test procedures
Collaborate with avionics, structures/mechanisms, software, and production teams on solar system requirements, integrated qualification/acceptance testing, and on-orbit data review
Support design reviews, own subsystem deliverables, and maintain accurate development schedules out to 9+ months
Drive manufacturing processes for in-house fabrication and assembly, including evaluation of manufacturing equipment, development of work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line testing
Work with the production team to develop factory layouts and processes that enable high-rate solar array builds
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field
5+ years of experience in the design, manufacture, and test of solar arrays for space applications
Nice to Have
Experience with solar array system development for space applications, including requirements definition, design, development testing, manufacturing, and qualification
Background working across multiple solar array architectures with variations in cell, module, and system technologies for high-power, long-life applications
Familiarity with AIAA S111/S112, SMC-S-016, NASA-STD-5017, and NASA-STD-4005 for the design and qualification of solar modules, moving mechanism assemblies, and spacecraft charging effects
Experience designing solar arrays for resilience to radiation environments
Understanding of structural analysis and failure modes for complex mechanical systems in space environments
Understanding of high-voltage solar array degradation analysis and failure modes
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 $140,000 - $175,000 + 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