Electrical Engineer - Solar Array Design
EVONA, Sterling, VA, United States
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
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