Senior Space Solar Array Development Engineer

Blue Origin LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Education Support Program

Stock options

Job summary

Blue Origin in Houston seeks an experienced engineer to own R&D process development and qualification for solar panel module fabrication, spanning from incoming cell inspection to final PV assembly. You will lead equipment selection and commissioning, drive VSM from prototype to production, and mentor junior engineers while improving yield and cycle time in a hands-on role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related technical discipline.
• 7+ years of hands-on manufacturing process development experience in photovoltaic, electronics, thin-film, or precision assembly.
• Demonstrated ownership mentality with initiative and closure on problems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with quick learning.
• Collaborative team player with direct communication across disciplines.
• Positive, resilient attitude when facing schedule challenges.

Responsibilities

• Own process development and qualification for SPM fabrication, including cell stringing and lamination.
• Lead equipment selection, installation, and commissioning (vacuum laminators, tab-and-string automation, EL imaging, solar simulators).
• Drive value stream mapping from prototype to high-rate production; provide DFM input to design teams.
• Develop PFMEAs and control plans; lead root cause investigations for process escapes.
• Create process specifications, work instructions, and traveler docs per AS9100/spaceflight quality requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians; contribute to cost reduction through yield improvement.

Skills

Ownership mentality

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Collaborative teamwork

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Materials Science

Tools

EL imaging systems

Vacuum laminators

Solar simulators/flash testers

Job 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 part of a hardworking team of specialists, technicians, and engineers, you will own R&D process development and qualification for solar panel module (SPM) fabrication - from incoming cell inspection through final photovoltaic assembly (PVA) build. You will lead equipment commissioning, drive value stream mapping from prototype to high-rate production, mentor junior engineers and technicians, and work shoulder-to-shoulder with design, test, and automation. This is a hands‑on, prototype‑to‑production role for someone who moves fast, learns faster, and takes ownership.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Own process development and qualification for SPM fabrication: cell stringing, encapsulant layup, lamination, and electrical/optical acceptance testing
• Lead equipment selection, installation, and commissioning — including vacuum laminators, tab-and-string automation, EL imaging systems, and solar simulators/flash testers
• Drive VSM and takt time analysis from prototype builds to high-rate production; provide DFM input to mechanical and electrical design teams
• Develop and maintain PFMEAs and control plans; lead root cause investigation and corrective action for process escapes and yield losses
• Author process specifications, work instructions, and traveler documentation per AS9100 / spaceflight quality requirements
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians
• Contribute to the cost reduction roadmap through yield improvement and cycle time reduction

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related technical discipline
• 7+ years of hands‑on experience in manufacturing process development — photovoltaic, electronics, thin-film, or comparable precision assembly
• Demonstrated ownership mentality: a track record of taking initiative, following through on commitments, and driving problems to closure without being asked
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to learn new processes and technologies quickly
• Collaborative team player with clear, direct communication skills and a history of working constructively across disciplines
• Willingness to seek and integrate feedback; an optimistic, resilient attitude in the face of technical and schedule challenges

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with vacuum lamination, polymer encapsulants, and cell layup for solar modules or comparable laminated assemblies
• Experience with SPC, gauge R&R, control plans, EL imaging, AOI, and IV/flash testing
• Experience scaling a manufacturing process from research/engineering builds to high-rate production
• Familiarity with space‑grade PV assemblies and space environmental test requirements (TVAC, thermal cycling, ESD)
• Experience establishing a new manufacturing facility or production cell from greenfield

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 Check Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation.

Required 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 (CDL drivers only), 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

• 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. 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.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

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

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