Space Solar Power Project Engineer

Job Summary

The Aerospace Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) is a diverse scientific organization that provides a broad and innovative research and development backplane for a growing space enterprise.  PSL’s impact is grown through a diverse research portfolio that blends foundational scientific research with cutting-edge technology development to serve a broad customer base. PSL’s exclusive ability to work with all stakeholders: (government, industry, and academia) enables us to provide novel solutions to the most challenging issues in current and future technology applications. The strength of PSL comes from the combination of cutting-edge tools and facilities, a vast repository of space-system knowledge, and the extensive technical expertise of our people. We harness these tools and expertise in over 150 different laboratories to tackle the new challenges for the space enterprise.  

The Energy Technology Department (ETD) in PSL conducts basic and applied research in photovoltaic devices and solar array designs for space applications to provide technical support in space solar power. 

We are seeking a Space Solar Power Project Engineer (Senior Project Engineer – Integration (Electronic And Mechanical) Engineering) to lead efforts to develop new tools, capabilities, and prototypes for assessing next generation spacecraft solar cell and solar array technology for national security space and civil and commercial customers. 

Work Model  

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines (3-4) regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.    

What You’ll Be Doing

• You will apply your deep technical and programmatic experience in space solar power to support national security space programs, lead R&D projects to reduce risk and enable rapid technology transition, develop future spacecraft solar cell and array technology roadmap, and provide technical assessments of issues and risks associated with development, testing and fielding of next generation space solar cell and array technology

• You will communicate technical findings and provide technical consultation to department colleagues, Aerospace management, program offices, government, and the larger scientific community on topics related to space power generation technology designs, anomaly investigations, and future power needs

• You will interface with internal programs and external collaborators, provide assignments of staff to projects, provide project management, and identify opportunities for expanded and new business

• S/he will provide strategic guidance and mentorship to technical staff for the organization, execution, and work product documentation of technical activities

What You Need to be Successful - Senior Project Engineer - Engineering | Integration (Electronic And Mechanical) Engineering

Minimum Requirements:  

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field is required 

• (12) or more years of experience of increasingly responsible and related engineering/scientific experience in space solar power is required

• Experience with cradle to grave development and fielding of advanced space solar power technology including risk assessment, design trades, developing requirements, qualification testing, assembly and integration, on-orbit performance analysis and anomaly root-cause investigations

• Widely recognized internally and externally by a variety of customers, programs, contractors, and other organizations in the space power community

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of customers and corporate staff

• Exhibits exceptionally high level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative with strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work in inter-organizational and inter-disciplinary teams

• Willing to travel occasionally to work location, customer site, or relevant professional conferences up to 10% of the time

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.  

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:  

• (15) or more years of experience of increasingly responsible and related engineering/scientific experience in space solar power is highly desirable 

• Experience in program management and/or managing research portfolios. 

• Experience in program support on evaluating current or emerging space technologies. 

• Recognized industry expert in the field of space solar power through presentations and participation in AIAA committees.