Principal Solar Process Engineer

Responsibilities

• Develop, qualify, and optimize solar array processes including interconnects, bonding, sintering, lamination, and coating
• Research and select conventional and novel processes for solar array applications
• Design and execute structured DOE and statistical analyses to diagnose manufacturing problems
• Use physics-based characterization to identify sources of variation and yield improvement opportunities
• Lead failure analysis, defect characterization, and root cause investigations
• Select manufacturing equipment and develop process specifications, work instructions, and end-of-line tests
• Define qualification criteria and test envelopes for radiation, thermal, and mechanical environments
• Mentor engineers and establish institutional process knowledge

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, aerospace engineering, or related technical discipline
• 8+ years of experience in materials and process engineering
• Demonstrated depth in material selection, characterization, qualification, and production-scale process development
• Track record of material and process decisions validated through flight or high-reliability hardware programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field
• Experience architecting manufacturing processes for solar array systems across the full lifecycle
• Hands-on experience with cell technology, interconnect methodology, and encapsulant chemistry
• Deep knowledge of adhesive systems, composites, thin films, and thermal interface materials
• Working knowledge of AIAA and NASA standards for solar module qualification
• Understanding of radiation effects on solar cell and module materials
• Proficiency with material characterization tools like SEM, EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, or XRD
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for data analysis and degradation modeling

About the Company

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by leading investors, K2 is mass-producing high-power satellite platforms for missions from LEO to deep space.