Solar Array Test Engineer

DescriptionAs a Solar Array Test Engineer at Impulse, you will play a critical role in designing, planning, and executing testing of solar array systems and subassemblies. This role owns test development from requirements through data review, focusing on electrical performance, mechanical integrity, environmental durability, and flight readiness. You’ll work closely with solar array design, power electronics, systems engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust, compliant, and high-performing solar hardware.ResponsibilitiesDefine and execute electrical performance tests for solar arrays, including I-V characterization and efficiency measurementsPlan and run environmental and durability tests such as thermal cycling, UV exposure, vibration, or shock as applicableDevelop test plans and procedures from system and component requirements, including acceptance criteriaDesign, build, and validate test fixtures, harnessing, and high-power setupsPartner with design, manufacturing, and suppliers to close test gaps and improve reliability and performanceParticipate in anomaly troubleshooting, root-cause investigations, and re-test plansMinimum QualificationsB.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or related field3 years of direct experience in hardware test engineeringWorking knowledge of photovoltaic behavior, electroluminescence, and solar array performance driversExperience with electrical and thermal instrumentation and DAQ systemsFamiliarity with environmental and mechanical test methods and lab safety practicesStrong data reduction and analysis skills in Python, MATLAB, or similarClear communicator with solid technical documentation skillsPreferred Skills and ExperienceMaster’s degree in a relevant engineering disciplineDirect experience testing solar arrays or photovoltaic hardwareFamiliarity with PV and aerospace qualification standards relevant to solar array testing, including IEC, UL, MIL-STD, NASA, and ECSS standardsExperience with thermal-vacuum testing, radiation or UV degradation testing, or arc-fault characterizationDemonstrated ability to drive cross-functional closure of test anomalies and design improvementsAdditional Information:Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan. Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.  Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Salary : $65,000 - $85,000