Senior Space Solar Array Assembly Development Engineer

Application close date:

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!  

As part of a hardworking team of specialists, technicians, and engineers, you will own R&D process development and qualification for space solar array assembly from incoming solar modules through a completed, tested array ready for integration with deployment hardware. You will lead tooling and equipment commissioning, drive value stream mapping from prototype to high-rate production, mentor junior engineers and technicians, and work shoulder-to-shoulder with design, mechanisms, test, and automation. This is a hands-on, prototype-to-production role: you will build the assembly process yourself and carry it from first builds toward high-rate production. We are primarily seeking a senior-level engineer, but are open to exceptional candidates at adjacent career levels whose manufacturing process development and assembly experience align with the needs of the role.

• →Own process development and qualification for solar array assembly: module joining, harness routing and installation, folding and stowage, handling of large, lightweight flight hardware, and electrical acceptance testing
• →Lead tooling and equipment selection, installation, and commissioning, including assembly and alignment fixtures, handling and transport equipment, and inspection and electrical test systems
• →Partner with mechanisms and integration engineers to bring solar arrays and deployment hardware together into complete flight assemblies
• →Drive value stream mapping (VSM) and takt time analysis from prototype builds to high-rate production; provide design for manufacturability (DFM) input to mechanical and electrical design teams
• →Develop and maintain process failure mode and effects analyses (PFMEAs) and control plans; lead root cause investigation and corrective action for process escapes and yield losses
• →Support environmental and functional test campaigns, including thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal cycling, and electrical acceptance testing, and feed findings back into the process
• →Author process specifications, work instructions, and traveler documentation in accordance with AS9100 and spaceflight quality requirements
• →Mentor junior engineers and technicians
• →Contribute to the cost reduction roadmap through yield improvement and cycle time reduction

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or Materials Engineering, or a related technical field
• 7+ years (or 5+ years with a Master’s or Ph.D.) of hands-on experience in manufacturing process development in photovoltaics, electronics, spacecraft hardware, or comparable precision assembly
• Experience owning process development and qualification for a multi-step assembly, from first builds through a documented, repeatable process
• Hands-on experience selecting, designing, or commissioning tooling, fixtures, or assembly equipment
• Experience writing process specifications, work instructions, or travelers in a quality-controlled environment (AS9100 or equivalent)
• Working knowledge of PFMEAs, control plans, and root cause and corrective action methods
• 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
• 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
• Prior solar or space experience is not required. Candidates from terrestrial PV, semiconductor, electronics, automotive, or aerospace manufacturing are encouraged to apply.

• Hands-on experience with spacecraft solar arrays, flexible or deployable PV, or comparable large-format flexible assemblies
• Experience with adhesives, tapes, and films; harness fabrication and installation for flight or high-reliability hardware
• Experience integrating hardware with deployable mechanisms
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC), measurement system analysis (gauge R&R), and electrical acceptance testing
• Familiarity with space-grade PV assemblies and space environmental test requirements (TVAC, thermal cycling, ESD)
• Experience scaling a manufacturing process from research/engineering builds to high-rate production
• Experience establishing a new manufacturing facility or production cell from greenfield

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected: 25% peak, 10% average
• Interviews will include a technical assessment

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.

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.

• 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, 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

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.

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