Senior Research Engineer - Photovoltaics

Application close date:

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!  

As part of a hardworking team of specialists, technicians, and engineers, you will push the frontier of space photovoltaics—transforming breakthrough ideas into reliable, flight-ready power for space missions. You will design and interpret rigorous tests, distill complex data into clear design rules, and collaborate across disciplines to turn insight into manufacturable solutions. Your work will directly shape the performance and longevity of our solar arrays in orbit.

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 25% of the time
• Interviews will include a technical assessment

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Characterize PV cells and materials: IV/QE, temperature coefficients, EL/PL imaging, defect analysis
• Model and test LEO environment impacts (radiation TID, AO/UV, thermal cycling) on cell performance
• Specify coverglass/coatings/encapsulants and evaluate adhesion, CTE, and outgassing compatibility
• Develop interconnect metallization and ribbon/busbar designs to minimize resistive loss and hot‑spots
• Define supplier screening and lot acceptance protocols; quantify variability and degradation
• Design experiments and test matrices; analyze data; publish design rules and correlations
• Collaborate with REs and Manufacturing to translate findings into panel designs and processes
• Lead materials down-select trades; maintain material specs and qualification evidence
• Drive RCCA for PV anomalies; maintain FRACAS for device‑level issues
• Mentor junior researchers; maintain lab best practices and metrology calibration plans
• Work effectively in a scrappy cross-disciplinary R&D environment with a geographically distributed team

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in Physics/EE/MatSci with 8+ years, or MS with 10+ years in PV device research (space focus)
• Expertise in IV/QE, temperature coefficients, EL/PL imaging, defect/parametric analysis
• Radiation (TID/DDD), AO/UV, thermal cycling testing and modeling for LEO; data correlation
• Coverglass/coatings/encapsulants selection; adhesion/CTE/outgassing compatibility
• Interconnect metallization and ribbon/busbar design to reduce resistive loss/hot‑spots
• Supplier screening and lot acceptance protocols; variability/degradation quantification
• DOE/test matrix design; publish design rules; maintain metrology calibration

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD with 12+ years; publication record in space PV; leadership of multi‑partner research
• Experience applying AIAA S‑111A Space Solar Cell Testing standard
• AO/UV exposure facility experience; ASTM/IEC/ECSS test methods; JEDEC radiation practices
• Strong collaboration with manufacturing to translate findings into stable processes

Compensation Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check

• Required for Certain Job Profiles:  Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

• Benefits include:  Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

• Paid Time Off:  Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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