Job Description

Electrical Engineer – Solar Array Design

Loudoun County, VA / DMV Area

Our client an exciting Space company are looking for a Spacecraft Solar Array Engineer to lead the design, development, qualification, and in-orbit performance optimization of spacecraft solar array and power generation systems from concept through end-of-life.

The role blends spacecraft power subsystem engineering, structural and thermal design awareness, and hands-on test and integration work to deliver reliable, lightweight, and highly efficient photovoltaic power solutions for orbital and deep-space missions.

The ideal candidate has experience with space-rated photovoltaic technologies, deployable solar array mechanisms, and spacecraft power architectures, and can own the solar array subsystem from requirements definition through flight support.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead the design and architecture of spacecraft solar array systems, including cell selection, panel configuration, and array sizing
• Develop power budgets and perform orbital energy balance and end-of-life performance analysis
• Define detailed specifications, ICDs, and technical documentation for solar array assemblies and subsystems
• Perform electrical, thermal, and structural analysis to ensure performance across launch and on-orbit conditions
• Support the design of deployment and articulation mechanisms alongside structures and mechanisms teams
• Plan and execute qualification and environmental testing, including vibration, thermal vacuum, and life testing
• Work closely with manufacturing and supply chain to ensure quality, traceability, and scalability of flight hardware

What we’re looking for:

• 5+ years of experience in spacecraft power systems, solar arrays, or space-based photovoltaic hardware
• Strong understanding of solar array design, including string configuration, voltage regulation, and performance modelling
• Experience with CAD and engineering analysis tools across electrical or electromechanical systems
• Hands-on experience with prototyping, assembly, and test of hardware
• Familiarity with environmental testing for space hardware such as vibration, thermal, and radiation
• Practical experience with soldering and solar cell interconnection techniques

Nice to have:

• Experience designing or qualifying flight solar arrays or deployable systems
• Knowledge of space standards such as NASA, ECSS, or MIL
• Experience with flexible or lightweight solar array technologies
• Understanding of radiation effects and long-term degradation of solar cells

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