The RoleCritical 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
If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!
