Principal Space Solar Mechanical Engineer

Qcells; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 173,000 - 212,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanwha Q CELLS is building a U.S.-based Space Photovoltaic Systems R&D group in Atlanta with Georgia Tech. The Principal Space Solar Mechanical Engineer will own the mechanical architecture for perovskite-silicon tandem cells, from substrate selection to structural qualification, shaping reliability margins for long missions.

You will lead substrate, bonding, and structural analysis, defining standards and test plans, while coordinating with partners to ensure robust hardware ready for launch

Qualifications

• MS/PhD in mechanical, aerospace, or materials science with a strong research background.
• 10+ years hardware R&D in aerospace or advanced electronics with ownership of major mechanical decisions.
• Proven leadership as a mechanical authority and design standard setter.
• Deep expertise in bonding, materials characterization, and test-to-analysis correlation.

Responsibilities

• Own substrate and panel mechanical architecture from concept to qualification.
• Design and own cell bonding systems, cure processes, and inspection criteria.
• Lead structural and thermal-mechanical analysis for launch environment.
• Build prototype hardware and lead environmental test campaigns.
• Lead radiation degradation research and translate findings into design criteria.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Leadership as IC

Aerospace hardware knowledge

Materials characterization

Education

MS or PhD in mechanical engineering or related field

Tools

ANSYS/Abaqus

SolidWorks / CAD tools

SEM/EDS and DSC instrumentation

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 Mechanical Engineer will determine how our perovskite-silicon tandem cells survive launch and live in orbit. You will own the mechanical architecture from substrate and bonding system design through structural qualification and lead the mechanical materials characterization that defines reliability margins for long-life space missions.

The Principal Space Solar Mechanical Engineer is a principal-level individual contributor who sets the mechanical architecture. You will perform studies and work with partners to determine what substrates cells bond to, how they are bonded, how the structural assembly responds to launch loads, and how it stays intact across a mission lifetime.

Qcells' perovskite-silicon tandem cells are thinner and more mechanically sensitive than conventional space cells, integrated on platforms ranging from rigid CFRP honeycomb to flexible polyimide or woven fabric. This work demands deep materials and structural engineering expertise — and the ability to build hardware and test it, not just model it.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Substrate & Panel Architecture — Technical Ownership

• Define and own the substrate and panel mechanical architecture: evaluate, select, and qualify substrate platforms including rigid CFRP honeycomb, flexible polyimide/PEEK, and woven/fabric structures — assessing CTE compatibility, outgassing compliance (ASTM E595, NASA-STD-6016), radiation stability, and manufacturability
• Define the panel-level structural configuration: cell layout and density, panel frame and edge seal design, cover glass or protective layer integration, and mechanical interface to the spacecraft structure
• Establish and maintain mechanical design standards, design rules, and mass/stiffness/CTE budget frameworks for the module program

Cell Bonding Systems — Technical Ownership

• Design and own the cell bonding system: select adhesive chemistry, define bond line geometry and cure process, specify inspection criteria, and lead trade studies across bonding approaches — silicone, epoxy, thin-film, lamination, and direct integration (welding, sintering)
• Develop and own the assembly process for cell integration: surface preparation protocols, adhesive dispensing and placement methods, cure monitoring, and process qualification documentation
• Establish bonding quality acceptance criteria and evaluation methods: shear and peel strength testing, cross-section analysis (optical, SEM), thermal cycling endurance, and adhesion retention testing

Structural & Thermal-Mechanical Analysis

• Perform and own structural analysis for the full launch environment — random vibration, sinusoidal sweep, shock, and quasi-static accelerations; lead or directly execute FEA (ANSYS/Abaqus), define analysis methodology, and correlate models to test data
• Define and execute CTE mismatch and thermal-mechanical fatigue analysis for bonded cell-substrate systems: predict delamination risk, cycle life, and bond line stress evolution; develop mission-lifetime reliability predictions and test-to-analysis correlation plans
• Serve as the team's structural authority at design reviews, qualification reviews, and partner technical meetings

Hardware Build & Environmental Test

• Design and build prototype and qualification test article hardware — personally executing cell bonding, coupon fabrication, and panel-level assembly at the bench; design test fixtures and environmental test configurations for TVAC, vibration, shock, and mechanical load campaigns
• Lead or provide senior technical direction for mechanical aspects of environmental test campaigns: test level derivation, data acquisition setup, real-time monitoring criteria, and post-test inspection protocol
• Lead failure analysis on mechanical anomalies: optical and electron microscopy, cross-section preparation and analysis, root cause determination, and corrective design or process development

Radiation Degradation Research — Mechanical Materials Characterization

• Design and lead the mechanical materials characterization program for irradiated thin-film, perovskite, and polymeric materials: adhesion strength, fracture toughness, elastic modulus, interfacial bond integrity, and mechanical property changes in perovskite absorber layers and thin-film stack interfaces following proton, electron, or gamma irradiation
• Define and execute test plans for radiation-induced changes in polymeric encapsulants and adhesives: mechanical embrittlement assessment, glass transition temperature characterization (DSC), outgassing changes, and optical property shifts
• Ensure radiation characterization findings are translated into updated material qualification criteria, design margins, and adhesive selection guidance

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• M.S. or Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, materials science, aerospace engineering, or a closely related field; Ph.D. preferred for Staff-level placement
• 10+ years of hands-on hardware R&D in aerospace, defense, or advanced electronics/photovoltaics, with demonstrated ownership of major mechanical design decisions
• Proven technical leadership as an individual contributor: served as mechanical authority for a program, set structural design standards, and mentored other engineers
• Deep expertise in adhesive bonding and materials characterization: designed bonding systems, executed bond qualification programs, and interpreted failure analysis
• Proficiency in structural analysis for aerospace hardware: load derivation, FEA (ANSYS, Abaqus, or equivalent), and test-to-analysis correlation
• Hands‑on hardware fabrication experience: building prototype and test articles, designing test fixtures, and leading or supporting environmental test campaigns (TVAC, vibration, shock)
• Strong understanding of thermomechanical fatigue and delamination mechanisms in bonded assemblies subjected to cyclic thermal loading

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with space-qualified panel or substrate design: lightweight composites, flexible PV substrates, or satellite structural hardware
• Familiarity with space PV packaging materials — encapsulants, adhesives, coverglass bonding, backsheets — and their behavior in the space environment
• Materials outgassing characterization and selection for vacuum/space applications (ASTM E595, NASA-STD-6016)
• Knowledge of space environmental effects on mechanical material properties: radiation‑induced embrittlement, atomic oxygen erosion, UV degradation, and cryogenic behavior
• CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent) with experience producing complete drawing packages for precision hardware
• Materials characterization instrumentation: SEM/EDS, DSC, TGA, FTIR, nano‑indentation, or equivalent
• Publications or presentations in space structures, PV packaging, or materials reliability
• Experience with ITAR-controlled technical programs

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) Talheim, 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.