Principal Solar Manufacturing Engineer

TL;DR

Principal Solar Manufacturing Engineer (Aerospace): Define and own the manufacturing strategy for solar hardware including solar modules, photovoltaic arrays, and integrated wing assemblies with an accent on manufacturability at the architecture and concept level. Focus on leading technical responses to complex manufacturing anomalies, championing transformative technologies like automation and advanced metrology, and scaling high-reliability hardware to full-rate production.

Must be a U.S. person as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or protected individuals). Location: Los Angeles, CA (onsite).

Salary: $175,000 – $200,000 + equity

Company

Building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown for missions from LEO to deep space, backed by $450M from leading investors and with $500M in signed contracts.

What you will do

• Drive solar array manufacturability from architecture level, partnering with Design to embed it early.
• Own manufacturing technical baseline including process qualification, tooling standards, and assembly specifications.
• Lead responses to complex anomalies, non-conformances, and systemic issues with root cause analysis.
• Identify and champion advanced manufacturing technologies in automation, metrology, and bonding processes.
• Mentor the Solar Manufacturing Engineering team and represent manufacturing in executive reviews.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials or relevant engineering discipline.
• 10+ years in high-volume manufacturing, production, or hands-on engineering.
• Recognized authority in solar manufacturing and photovoltaic array integration.
• Experience shaping product designs via DFM at architecture level.
• Proven ability to own technical baselines through design overhauls and production transitions.
• Track record leading and developing engineers across functions without direct authority.

Nice to have

• Background scaling solar or high-reliability electromechanical hardware to production.
• Experience in advanced manufacturing automation like robotic assembly or vision systems.
• Prior work on space-grade solar arrays, deployment mechanisms, or flight power systems.
• Familiarity with reliability physics, radiation effects, or space qualification testing.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits: paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave.
• Equity in the company.
• Fast-paced Series C startup environment focused on innovation and execution.
• Encourages non-traditional career paths and motivated individuals.