Space Solar Power Project Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

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 strateg