Description POSITION DESCRIPTION: Hanwha Qcells is building its first U.S.-based Space Photovoltaic Systems R&D organization, co-located with Georgia Tech in Atlanta. The Principal Space Solar Electrical Engineer will define how our next generation perovskite-silicon tandem cells become spacecraft power. You will own the full electrical architecture from cell interconnect through panel design to spacecraft EPS interface, and lead radiation degradation research efforts that drive material and design decisions.
The Principal Space Solar Electrical Engineer is a principal-level individual contributor who defines the electrical architecture and design for space-based PV systems. You will determine how cells are interconnected, how strings are configured, how power is routed across a panel, and how the assembly interfaces with a satellite's electrical power subsystem.
This role demands deep PV device expertise, hands-on cell interconnection and characterization experience, and the systems are thinking to translate cell behavior into spacecraft power architecture. You will work independently on complex, ambiguous problems and develop junior engineers as the team grows.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Module Electrical Architecture - Technical Ownership - Define and own the module-level electrical architecture for Qcells space solar panels: determine cell interconnection technology, string topology, bypass and blocking diode strategy, and power output interface design
- Lead technology selection and trade studies for cell interconnect approaches - metallic tab welding, ultrasonic bonding, conductive adhesive, mesh or fabric conductors - evaluating conductivity, mechanical compliance, thermal fatigue resistance, radiation tolerance, and process yield
- Develop the complete electrical design package: interconnect geometry, current routing on rigid or flexible substrates, voltage isolation, ESD protection, grounding architecture, and module electrical design standards and interface control documentation
Spacecraft Power Interface & EPS Integration - Define the electrical interface between Qcells solar panels and Hanwha Systems spacecraft EPS: voltage-current characteristics, operating point under MPPT or direct energy transfer, current limits, fault behavior, and harness interface
- Develop and own the mission-class power budget framework: orbital energy balance models for VLEO, LEO, and cis-lunar missions incorporating eclipse fraction, pointing loss, thermal derating, and EOL degradation
- Collaborate with Hanwha Systems power system engineers to ensure Qcells module design is correctly matched to satellite power conditioning architectures
Cell & Module Characterization - Design and lead the cell and module electrical characterization program: I-V measurement, AM0-equivalent illumination, spectral response, EQE, dark I-V, and CV characterization; establish calibration standards and data reduction tools (Python/MATLAB) for routine and specialized measurements
- Lead post-environmental characterization campaigns following TVAC cycling, vibration, and radiation testing; analyze performance retention, identify failure signatures, and drive corrective design or process actions
- Develop parametric degradation models correlating test data to predicted on-orbit electrical performance over mission lifetime
Radiation Degradation Research - Program Leadership - Define the radiation degradation experimental program: test matrix, radiation species and fluence selection, and performance metrics; coordinate access to external proton/electron beam facilities and manage test execution, sample handling, and data chain of custody
- Lead post-irradiation characterization and analysis - I-V, EL/PL imaging, capacitance - and model DDD and TID effects on device parameters; translate findings into design guidance on coverglass optimization, interconnect material selection, and string margin requirements for radiation-degraded performance
- Author technical publications and internal reports; represent the team at space PV conferences and government program technical reviews
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: - M.S. or Ph.D. in electrical engineering, physics, materials science, or a closely related field; Ph.D. preferred for Staff-level placement
- 10+ years of hands-on R&D with photovoltaic devices, solar cells, or semiconductor device characterization; space or high-reliability environment experience strongly favored
- Proven technical leadership as an individual contributor: owned major design decisions, set technical direction for a program, and mentored junior engineers
- Deep proficiency in PV device characterization: I-V measurement systems, spectral response, QE, EL/PL imaging, and parametric modeling
- Hands-on experience with cell interconnection processes in a laboratory environment: soldering, bonding, or electro-mechanical assembly
- Ability to independently design and execute complex experimental programs, analyze ambiguous data, and reach defensible engineering conclusions
- Familiarity with spacecraft EPS architecture: power conditioning, battery/solar array interfaces, or satellite EPS design
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: - Experience with space PV technology - multi-junction GaAs, III-V cells, or perovskite/thin-film PV - and applicable qualification standards (AIAA S-111, NASA-STD-4005)
- Radiation effects expertise: displacement damage dose modeling, TID characterization, and experimental methods for irradiation of photovoltaic devices
- Knowledge of spacecraft EPS topologies: DET vs. MPPT, solar array regulator behavior, and cell I-V mismatch implications
- Experience with flexible interconnect design: flex PCB, polyimide substrates, or metal mesh conductors
- Python or MATLAB proficiency for data analysis, degradation modeling, and power budget tools
- Publications or presentations in space PV, radiation effects, or related fields
- Experience with ITAR-controlled technical work
COMPENSATION: In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws, the anticipated annual base salary for this position is:
- Zone 1 (Bay Area, NYC): $208,100 - $254,300
- Zone 2 (CA, NJ, NY): $190,700 - $233,100
- Zone 3 (All others): $173,400 - $211,900
The applicable salary range is based on the employee's primary work location. Individual compensation will be determined based on qualifications, relevant experience, education, skills, internal equity, and other business-related factors.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the essential physical, mental and environmental requirements for this job are listed below. These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Mobility
Standing
20% of time
Sitting
70% of time
Walking
10% of time
Strength
Pulling
up to 10 Pounds
Pushing
up to 10 Pounds
Carrying
up to 10 Pounds
Lifting
up to 10 Pounds
Dexterity (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)
Typing
F
Handling
F
Reaching
F
Agility (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)
Turning
F
Twisting
F
Bending
O
Crouching
O
Balancing
N
Climbing
N
Crawling
N
Kneeling
N
The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job's minimum qualifications.
*This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.
