Senior Mechanical Engineer (Solar)

Company Overview:

Lumen Orbit is building a network of megawatt-scale data centers in space. Falling launch costs allow us to take advantage of the abundant energy, advanced cooling techniques, and ability to rapidly scale in space. Join our visionary team, push the boundaries of technology and sustainability, and be part of this pioneering effort to redefine the future of data centers!

Position Overview:

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer - Solar at Lumen Orbit, you will lead the design and development of the highest power, lowest cost per watt, and lowest mass solar modules flown in space. This role requires an innovative and dynamic individual with extensive expertise in materials selection and solar cell packaging. You will oversee the design definition, analysis, and testing methodologies to ensure the solar module meets the end-of-life power requirements for our satellite constellation, working closely with mechanisms engineers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and Development:
  • Identify and analyze requirements to support trade studies and solar module interfaces with the solar array assembly.
  • Select and enhance solar modules, focusing on test reliability and material selection to optimize degradation factors and manufacturability.
  • Create, iterate, and own detailed CAD models of solar module design options, including drawings, process requirements, models, and identification of critical characteristics.
  • Conduct classical and FEA analysis to ensure compliance with all load conditions (static, dynamic, thermal, fatigue).
• Testing and Validation:
  • Build development sample solar modules as pathfinders for process and design improvements.
  • Develop comprehensive test plans throughout development, incorporating variable isolation DOE and statistical analysis for long-term reliability assessments.
  • Define qualification plans and identify acceptance testing methods for volume production.
• Optimization and Documentation:
  • Facilitate cost trades on multiple configurations to balance cost, manufacturability, and design uncertainty.
  • Produce complete design packages, including detailed drawings, analysis reports, BOMs, assembly documentation, and test reports.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a mechanical engineer.
• At least 2 years of experience working with solar modules, solar cells, or solar arrays.
• Proficiency with CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems.
• Proven experience developing functional specifications, design verification plans, and functional test procedures.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s or PhD degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams to execute product design from concept to production.
• Project management experience for technical projects.
• Proficiency in Python or other programming languages.
• Design experience with solar arrays for space applications.
• Knowledge of hardware design considerations for space environmental factors.
• Expertise using Solidworks for CAD and Ansys for Analysis
• Strong problem-solving skills for complex issues.

Compensation and Benefits:

Lumen Orbit offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Senior Mechanical Engineer/Level I: $114,300 - $150,000 per year
• Senior Mechanical Engineer/Level II: $150,000 - $190,600 per year
• Potential for stock options, discretionary bonuses, and other long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave.
• Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to support critical project milestones.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for authorization under U.S. export regulations.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Lumen Orbit is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify our Human Resources Department.

Join Lumen Orbit and shape the future!

Embrace the challenge, push technological boundaries, and contribute to the evolution of data processing in space. Apply today to join our visionary team dedicated to innovation and advancing humanity.

To apply, please email your resume and/or LinkedIn URL to careers@lumenorbit.com. We receive many applications, and so we apologize that we may not be able to respond to every applicant.