Solar Panel Responsible Engineer - Lunar Permanence

Blue Origin; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 144,179 - 201,849; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Stock options

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Responsible Engineer based in Denver, Colorado, to lead the development of solar panels for spacecraft. This pivotal role involves integrating various subsystems while ensuring the technical and leadership efforts across engineering disciplines.

The ideal candidate will have a degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and substantial experience in solar panel development. This role offers competitive compensation and numerous benefits including medical coverage, profit-sharing, and stock options.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of direct experience in solar panel development; 3+ years in space applications desired.
• Experience across the full product development lifecycle.
• Ability to earn trust and maintain positive and professional relationships.

Responsibilities

• Deliver space-qualified solar panel and backing structure flight hardware.
• Serve as technical lead, responsible for planning and coordinating engineers.
• Drive new product development from requirements definition through production readiness.

Skills

Solar panel development

Space applications

Leadership in engineering

Communication skills

Education

B.S. in Mechanical, Electrical, Material Science, Physics, Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CREO

ANSYS

MATLAB

Simscape

STK

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 the Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin's Blue Moon landers and related products. To further Blue Origin's mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth, we are building sustainable infrastructure for our transport of crew and cargo from Earth to the lunar surface.

As the Responsible Engineer, you will drive the development of Solar Panels for Blue Origin's spacecraft in a key technical leadership role. You will participate in the full product life cycle from early concepts to prototypes to qualified and deployed flight hardware. You will work closely with the Power Generation & Energy Storage team and adjacent core component and vehicle teams to seamlessly integrate Solar Panels with multiple vehicle subsystems. Your leadership and technical contributions will enable flight of state-of-the-art aerospace vehicles and missions.

Responsibilities

• Deliver space-qualified solar panel and backing structure flight hardware
• Serve as technical lead, responsible for planning and coordinating the efforts of cross-discipline engineers (mechanical, electrical, systems, M&P)
• Drive new product development from requirements definition through production readiness for modular and scalable products
• Lead internal design reviews and participate in reviews with suppliers and customers; support design for test, manufacture and cost (DFx)
• Effectively communicate development status, risks, and challenges to management
• Analyze, track, and report key performance metrics contextualized against vehicle requirements
• Support the development and execution of component-level test programs, including characterization, risk reduction, qualification, and integrated vehicle-level testing
• Routinely collaborate with manufacturing operations, supply chain, and other teams within the company to ensure smooth execution

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical, Electrical, Material Science, Physics, Aerospace Engineering or related areas of study
• 5+ years of direct experience in solar panel development; 3+ years in space applications desired
• Experience across the full product development lifecycle, including concept definition, architecture, requirements capture and development, implementation, verification, system integration, qualification, and release
• Demonstrated experience designing, specifying, procuring, and testing of space grade panels and adhesives
• Familiarity with photovoltaic cells, design and construction of solar panels, and associated test methods such as AIAA S-112
• Knowledge of space environment effects on solar panels, such as vacuum, radiation, UV, temperature cycling
• Desire to work hands‑on, both independently and as part of a team, throughout the development and production phases
• Self‑starting who thrives in a fast‑paced new product development environment
• Ability to earn trust and maintain positive and professional relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must 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

• Advanced graduate degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Material Science, Physics, Aerospace Engineering or related areas of study
• 8+ years of direct experience in solar panel development; 5+ years in space applications desiredDemonstrated experience with solar panel standards such as AIAA S-112
• Subject matter expertise (SME) to drive solar array architecture trade studies, performance characterization, and component selection
• Proficiency with common engineering design and simulation software such as CREO, ANSYS, MATLAB, Simscape, and STK

Compensation Range

CO applicants: $144,179.00 – $201,849.90; WA applicants: $156,802.00 – $219,522.45. Other site ranges may differ.

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) or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 lbs or more and may be subject to additional federal regulations; and other similar requirements.
• Required for certain job profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain a 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 per week).
• Paid time off: Up to four 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 bonuses subject to company discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and may change or be cancelled.

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 workforce. 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 race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military or 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. 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 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.