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. As a Solar Engineer, you will contribute to the design, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of high-power solar arrays for some of the largest spacecraft ever flown. You'll work across technical domains; from module technology and electrical power systems to deployment mechanisms, structures, and production — learning from experienced engineers while taking on meaningful ownership of hardware from day one.

First 6 months: Support solar array subsystem development through analysis, component-level testing, and manufacturing process documentation.

First year: Own specific build and test activities for flight hardware, from assembly through acceptance testing.

First two years: Contribute to full lifecycle solar array development across multiple vehicle builds, developing expertise in both design and production.

Responsibilities

Support the design and analysis of solar array electrical and mechanical subsystems

Assist in the development and maintenance of electrical performance degradation models across environment variations

Execute assembly-level acceptance and qualification test procedures and document results

Collaborate with avionics, structures/mechanisms, software, and production teams on integration activities and test campaigns

Support design reviews with analysis products and test data

Contribute to manufacturing processes for in-house fabrication and assembly, including work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line testing

Participate in on-orbit data review and anomaly investigation efforts

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field

Internship in at least one of: photovoltaics, power systems, or materials characterization

Hands-on hardware experience through internships, research, design competitions, or extracurricular projects

Nice to Have

Internship or research experience with solar arrays or power systems for space applications

Exposure to solar cell or module characterization techniques (IV curves, electroluminescence, flash testing)

Familiarity with structural analysis tools (Nastran, ANSYS, or equivalent) or thermal analysis tools

Familiarity with space environment effects on materials, including radiation, thermal cycling, and atomic oxygen

Experience with CAD software (NX, CATIA, SolidWorks) and practical GD&T application

Exposure to manufacturing processes such as soldering, layup, or electromechanical assembly

Python or MATLAB proficiency for data analysis

Independent and self-motivated mindset with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

Compensation and Benefits:

Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $140,000 + 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