Senior Solar Array Engineer

Vast is looking for a Senior Solar Array Engineer, reporting to the Sr Director of Power Systems, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. The Solar Array Engineer is responsible for the design, analysis, performance, qualification, and flight operation of the station solar arrays.

This will be a full-time exempt position located in our Long Beach location. 

Responsibilities: 

• Design and develop advanced solar array systems for the first commercial space station
• Complete and document technical surveys of solar array technology for next generation space stations
• Own cell selection for optimized for power and cost considering a wide array of technologies
• Optimize solar array primary structure, photovoltaic optics and laminates, array layout, and harnessing
• Model cost, performance, and manufacturability of solar array hardware
• Verify solar array in-space performance through performance testing, environmental testing, and verify manufacturing quality
• Perform due diligence on designs including reliability calculations, FEA, FMEA, and DFMEA
• Coordinate design effort across multiple teams and vendors

Minimum Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience with solar photovoltaic module design
• Technical experience with photovoltaic devices including III-V and silicon solar cells
• Familiarity with spacecraft solar arrays and the space environment
• Experience in mechanical CAD and FEA software tools
• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or other electromechanical engineering discipline

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in solar array systems for space vehicles across the product lifetime including array design, development, test, in flight operation, and anomaly resolution
• Familiarity with solar array design standards such as AIAA, ESA, or NASA standards
• Detailed understanding of space solar array acceptance and qualification testing and applicable standards
• Detailed knowledge of test methods for photovoltaic devices including III-V and silicon solar cells
• Experience managing vendors or suppliers and associated contracts such that products are delivered on schedule and at cost
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to make independent judgments with limited information
• Communication skills for relaying data (verbally and in-writing) between other employees, vendors, and customers
• Logical and strategic approach to solving problems
• Comfortable working in a high-stress environment balancing several projects at any given time, and the flexibility to adjust for abrupt changes in strategic direction

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted
• Specific certifications, as appropriate