Principal Space Solar Electrical Engineer

Qcells USA Corp.; Atlanta, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 173,000 - 212,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanwha Q CELLS Technologies, Inc. in Atlanta seeks a Principal Space Solar Electrical Engineer to define the full electrical architecture of space PV systems and lead radiation degradation research that informs material and design decisions.

You will own interconnect layouts, power interface interfaces, and MPTP/direct energy transfer considerations, coordinating with the EPS team. You will design and execute complex experimental programs, oversee cell and module I‑V characterization, and

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in electrical engineering, physics, materials science, or a closely related field; Ph.D. preferred for Staff-level placement
• 10+ years of hands-on R&D with photovoltaic devices, solar cells, or semiconductor device characterization; space or high-relability environment experience strongly favored
• Deep proficiency in PV device characterization and related measurements
• Hands-on experience with cell interconnection processes in a lab environment: soldering, bonding, or electro-mechanical assembly
• Ability to independently design and execute complex experimental programs and derive defensible conclusions

Responsibilities

• Define and own the module-level electrical architecture for space solar panels including interconnect topology and power interface design
• Lead technology selection and trade studies for interconnect approaches and materials
• Develop complete electrical design packages and interface control documentation
• Define electrical interface between solar panels and spacecraft EPS: voltage-current characteristics and operating points
• Develop and own the mission-class power budget framework across orbital regimes
• Collaborate with space power engineers to ensure module design matches satellite power conditioning
• Design and lead cell/module characterization programs (I-V, spectral response, QE, EL/PL) and data pipelines
• Lead post-environmental characterization campaigns and drive design actions from results
• Develop degradation models correlating test data to on-orbit performance
• Author technical publications and contribute to external reviews and conferences

Skills

PV device characterization

I‑V measurement

Spectral response

QE

EL/PL imaging

Python

MATLAB

cell interconnection

data analysis

experimental design

Education

M.S. or Ph.D. in electrical engineering or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

I‑V measurement systems

Job description

Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Hanwha Qcells is building its first U.S.-based Space Photovoltaic Systems R&D organization, co-located with Georgia Tech in Atlanta. The Principal Space Solar Electrical Engineer will define how our next generation perovskite-silicon tandem cells become spacecraft power. You will own the full electrical architecture from cell interconnect through panel design to spacecraft EPS interface, and lead radiation degradation research efforts that drive material and design decisions.

The Principal Space Solar Electrical Engineer is a principal-level individual contributor who defines the electrical architecture and design for space-based PV systems. You will determine how cells are interconnected, how strings are configured, how power is routed across a panel, and how the assembly interfaces with a satellite’s electrical power subsystem.

This role demands deep PV device expertise, hands-on cell interconnection and characterization experience, and the systems are thinking to translate cell behavior into spacecraft power architecture. You will work independently on complex, ambiguous problems and develop junior engineers as the team grows.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Module Electrical Architecture — Technical Ownership

• Define and own the module-level electrical architecture for Qcells space solar panels: determine cell interconnection technology, string topology, bypass and blocking diode strategy, and power output interface design

• Lead technology selection and trade studies for cell interconnect approaches — metallic tab welding, ultrasonic bonding, conductive adhesive, mesh or fabric conductors — evaluating conductivity, mechanical compliance, thermal fatigue resistance, radiation tolerance, and process yield

• Develop the complete electrical design package: interconnect geometry, current routing on rigid or flexible substrates, voltage isolation, ESD protection, grounding architecture, and module electrical design standards and interface control documentation

Spacecraft Power Interface & EPS Integration

• Define the electrical interface between Qcells solar panels and Hanwha Systems spacecraft EPS: voltage-current characteristics, operating point under MPPT or direct energy transfer, current limits, fault behavior, and harness interface

• Develop and own the mission-class power budget framework: orbital energy balance models for VLEO, LEO, and cis‑lunar missions incorporating eclipse fraction, pointing loss, thermal derating, and EOL degradation

• Collaborate with Hanwha Systems power system engineers to ensure Qcells module design is correctly matched to satellite power conditioning architectures

Cell & Module Characterization

• Design and lead the cell and module electrical characterization program: I‑V measurement, AM0‑equivalent illumination, spectral response, EQE, dark I‑V, and CV characterization; establish calibration standards and data reduction tools (Python/MATLAB) for routine and specialized measurements

• Lead post‑environmental characterization campaigns following TVAC cycling, vibration, and radiation testing; analyze performance retention, identify failure signatures, and drive corrective design or process actions

• Develop parametric degradation models correlating test data to predicted on‑orbit electrical performance over mission lifetime

Radiation Degradation Research — Program Leadership

• Define the radiation degradation experimental program: test matrix, radiation species and fluence selection, and performance metrics; coordinate access to external proton/electron beam facilities and manage test execution, sample handling, and data chain of custody

• Lead post‑irradiation characterization and analysis — I‑V, EL/PL imaging, capacitance — and model DDD and TID effects on device parameters; translate findings into design guidance on coverglass optimization, interconnect material selection, and string margin requirements for radiation‑degraded performance

• Author technical publications and internal reports; represent the team at space PV conferences and government program technical reviews

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in electrical engineering, physics, materials science, or a closely related field; Ph.D. preferred for Staff‑level placement

• 10+ years of hands‑on R&D with photovoltaic devices, solar cells, or semiconductor device characterization; space or high‑reliability environment experience strongly favored

• Proven technical leadership as an individual contributor: owned major design decisions, set technical direction for a program, and mentored junior engineers

• Deep proficiency in PV device characterization: I‑V measurement systems, spectral response, QE, EL/PL imaging, and parametric modeling

• Hands‑on experience with cell interconnection processes in a laboratory environment: soldering, bonding, or electro‑mechanical assembly

• Ability to independently design and execute complex experimental programs, analyze ambiguous data, and reach defensible engineering conclusions

• Familiarity with spacecraft EPS architecture: power conditioning, battery/solar array interfaces, or satellite EPS design

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with space PV technology — multi‑junction GaAs, III‑V cells, or perovskite/thin‑film PV — and applicable qualification standards (AIAA S-111, NASA-STD-4005)

• Radiation effects expertise: displacement damage dose modeling, TID characterization, and experimental methods for irradiation of photovoltaic devices

• Knowledge of spacecraft EPS topologies: DET vs. MPPT, solar array regulator behavior, and cell I‑V mismatch implications

• Experience with flexible interconnect design: flex PCB, polyimide substrates, or metal mesh conductors

• Python or MATLAB proficiency for data analysis, degradation modeling, and power budget tools

• Publications or presentations in space PV, radiation effects, or related fields

• Experience with ITAR‑controlled technical work

COMPENSATION:

In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws, the anticipated annual base salary for this position is:

• Zone 1 (Bay Area, NYC): $208,100 - $254,300

• Zone 2 (CA, NJ, NY): $190,700 - $233,100

• Zone 3 (All others): $173,400 - $211,900

The applicable salary range is based on the employee’s primary work location. Individual compensation will be determined based on qualifications, relevant experience, education, skills, internal equity, and other business‑related factors.

Hanwha Q CELLS Technologies, Inc. a subsidiary of Hanwha Q CELLS, one of the world´s largest and most recognized photovoltaic manufacturers for its high‑performance, high‑quality solar cells and modules. It is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ) and Santa Clara, CA, USA (HW and SW Product Development HQ). Through its growing global business network spanning Europe, North America, Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East, the company provides excellent services and long‑term partnerships to its customers in the utility, commercial, government, and residential markets. Hanwha Q CELLS is a flagship company of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 firm and a Top 7 business enterprise in South Korea.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the essential physical, mental and environmental requirements for this job are listed below. These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Mobility

Standing

20% of time

Sitting

70% of time

Walking

10% of time

Strength

Pulling up to 10 Pounds

Pushing up to 10 Pounds

Carrying up to 10 Pounds

Lifting up to 10 Pounds

Dexterity (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)

Typing

F

Handling

F

Reaching

F

Agility (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)

Turning

F

Twisting

F

Bending

O

Crouching

O

Balancing

N

Climbing

N

Crawling

N

Kneeling

N

The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications.

*This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.

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