Engineer - Materials & Process Sr - Solar Modules

Employer description

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!  

This role is part of Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin’s mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design.

As a key member of our dedicated solar array engineering team, you will develop and qualify materials and processes for photovoltaic modules — from prototype through high-rate production — directly contributing to the solar arrays powering our next-generation satellite constellation and in-space transportation vehicles.

Special Mentions

Relocation providedTravel expected up to 15% of the timeInterviews will include a technical assessment

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Design, develop, and qualify manufacturing processes for solar module fabrication, including solar cell stringing processes, adhesive encapsulation, vacuum lamination, and tabbing and bussing of photovoltaic cellsCollaborate with R&D teams to transition novel materials and processes into productionDevelop and implement process controls and first-article qualification plans to ensure consistent, high-quality output from prototype builds through high-volume production ratesIdentify and solve materials and process challenges across the development-to-production continuum, from laboratory-scale demonstrations to a high-rate manufacturing lineSupport the integration of photovoltaic cells into solar power modules (SPMs), ensuring mechanical, electrical, and environmental compatibility for aerospace power systemsWork closely with module design, systems engineering, and manufacturing teams on cell-to-module integration, including bonding, encapsulant, substrate adhesion, electrical interconnects, and environmental qualification testingDocument experimental and process data thoroughly and support technology transfer activities to manufacturing, following aerospace quality and traceability requirementsContribute to a culture of technical innovation, process safety, and multidisciplinary collaboration within a high-performance engineering environmentMinimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or related engineering field8+ years of experience in a manufacturing, fabrication, or laboratory environmentExperience with semiconductor, optoelectronic, or photovoltaic devicesExpertise with one or more of the following: adhesive characterization, bonding and lamination processes, encapsulation, solar cell stringing processes, coatings, or compositesFamiliarity with the space environment and its effect on materialsMust be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.Preferred Qualifications

PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Physics with 10+ years of experience, or Master’s degree with 12+ years and space photovoltaics experienceDirect experience with solar cell and/or panel fabrication processesExperience scaling photovoltaic fabrication processes from R&D or prototype into a production environment, including takt-time reduction and process capability studiesFamiliarity with testing of space-grade solar cells/panelsKnowledge of photovoltaic device physics and performance characterizationFamiliarity with radiation effects on photovoltaic cells, coverglass, and encapsulant materials; experience with cryogenic or thermomechanical qualification of bonded assemblies is a plusAbility to source, design and test materials and properties for solar array improvementInterest or experience in emerging thin-film photovoltaic technologies as applied to flexible space power systems
 Base Pay Range for:

CO applicants is $133,500.00 - $186,898.95 WA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background CheckRequired for Certain Job Profiles:  Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installationRequired for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical
Benefits

Benefits include:  Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)Paid Time Off:  Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company’s intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company’s results, or other factors at the company’s sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.
Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.