Senior Mechanical Engineer, Solar, Kuiper Mechanical

Project Kuiper is an initiative to increase global broadband access through a constellation of 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). Its mission is to bring fast, affordable broadband to unserved and underserved communities around the world. Project Kuiper will help close the digital divide by delivering fast, affordable broadband to a wide range of customers, including consumers, businesses, government agencies, and other organizations operating in places without reliable connectivity.

This role is for a highly innovative and dynamic individual with the ability to design the highest power, lowest cost per watt, and lowest mass solar module flown in space! You will be responsible for the design definition, analysis, and test methodology to verify and demonstrate that the solar module will meet the end of life power requirements for the satellite constellation. You will apply research, creativity, and experience to develop a solar module that meets the satellite reliability goals.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and improving solar modules for Kuiper Satellites
• Identifying and analyzing requirements for trade studies and solar module interfaces
• Creating detailed CAD models of solar module design options
• Analyzing and responding to all load conditions for compliance
• Building development sample solar modules
• Developing test plans and qualification plans
• Facilitating cost trades on multiple configurations
• Producing complete design packages

This is a hands-on role requiring a self-starter with extensive skills in materials selection and solar cell packaging. You will be expected to defend your design decisions through technical design reviews and demonstrate the product's producibility and performance through the full product development life cycle.

Note: Due to export control laws, candidates must be a U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.