Lead Engineer – Space Solar Hardware

Starpath Robotics; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Health/dental/vision coverage

Equity package

Job summary

A prominent space technology company in California is seeking a Lead Engineer for Space Solar Hardware. This role demands extensive experience in building high-reliability hardware and leading solar engineering efforts. Responsibilities include serving as the design authority, guiding technical aspects, and building a capable team. Successful candidates will have at least a B.S. in engineering and 10+ years in hardware development. The role offers a competitive salary between $160k-$200k per year, plus benefits and equity options.

Qualifications

• 10+ years building high-reliability hardware, preferably for space.
• Experience with space environmental testing standards like NASA GEVS.

Responsibilities

• Serve as design authority for Starlight Solar products.
• Build the solar engineering org to meet business needs.
• Translate customer needs into executable engineering plans.
• Own all technical aspects of solar products including development and reliability.

Skills

Strong mechanical fundamentals

Clear technical communication

Environmental qualification experience

Comfortable operating across disciplines

Education

B.S. or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering field

Job description

Lead Engineer - Space Solar Hardware

Position Details

Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA

Employment Type: Full-time

Department: Starlight Solar

About Starpath

Starpath Robotics is developing a full stack solution for commercial scale rocket propellant production on the Moon and Mars. We are building one of the key enabling technologies that will make Humans a multi-planet species.

The Starlight team is focused on dramatically reducing the cost of space-rated solar power to support both Starpath's propellant production goals and the greater space economy.

If high ownership, fast pace, working with hardware, and solving challenging problems sounds like a dream come true, come join the team!

The Role

We’re looking for a hands-on Engineering Leadto take end-to-end technical ownership of our solar panel hardware. You'll inherit the most cost-effective space-rated solar solution available in the world today, and be given all the resources necessary to maintain that position.

This is a build-first, lead-by-doing role—high autonomy, high accountability, minimal bureaucracy.

Responsibilities

• Serve as design authority for Starlight Solar products

• Build the solar engineering org to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding business unit

• Translate customer needs/product strategy into executable engineering plans

• Own all technical aspects of solar products - development, reliability, manufacturing, etc.

• Work cross-functionally with customer-facing business units to ensure excellence in all technical communications

• Establish a culture of excellence throughout the engineering org from the top down

• Act as the penultimate approver of all major development, qualification, and manufacturing activities.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering field

• 10+ years building high-reliability hardware (space preferred)

• Strong mechanical fundamentals (structures, packaging, materials interactions)

• Comfortable operating across relevant engineering disciplines

• Experience with space environmental testing standards (NASA GEVS, ECSS, or similar)

• Clear technical communication and strong engineering judgment

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with space solar arrays, deployables, power systems packaging, or similar hardware

• Startup / small-team environment experience

• Experience preparing hardware for environmental qualification (TVAC/vibe/radiation planning)

Compensation & Benefits

• Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA

• Salary base rate is $160-$200k/yr, plus equity package; compensation scales with candidate experience. Option for performance based incentives.

• PTO & health/dental/vision coverage included

EAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity

Starpath is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.