Senior Solar Process Engineer

Responsibilities

• Develop, qualify, and optimize manufacturing processes for solar array systems including interconnects, bonding, sintering, and coating
• Research and evaluate 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
• Own evaluation and selection of manufacturing equipment for in-house development
• Collaborate with production teams to develop process specifications and work instructions
• Define qualification criteria and test envelopes for radiation, thermal, and mechanical environments
• Mentor junior engineers on process engineering fundamentals

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in materials science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, physics, or aerospace engineering
• 5+ years of experience in materials and process engineering
• Hands-on experience with material characterization, testing, and process development for hardware

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in a related technical field
• Experience developing manufacturing processes for solar array systems across the full lifecycle
• 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 modeling

About the Company

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, mass-producing high-power satellite platforms for missions from LEO to deep space.