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.
Export Control Requirement: Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates 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.
We are seeking a Principal Solar Array Scientist to lead the advancement of next-generation solar array technologies for our Kuiper satellite constellation. This role is a unique opportunity to invent, implement, and influence the future of power systems in low Earth orbit (LEO).
The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in space-based solar power systems, coupled with a passion for developing cost-effective, scalable, and durable solar solutions that rival terrestrial rooftop solar in cost efficiency—while meeting the extreme demands of the LEO environment.
You will work closely with other senior scientists and cross-functional teams across hardware, systems, and manufacturing to deliver innovations that define the future of satellite energy systems.
Key job responsibilities
- Lead technical development of cost-effective solar array solutions for the Kuiper satellite constellation
- Develop and validate sophisticated degradation models incorporating multiple physical mechanisms and environmental factors
- Design and execute ground-based testing programs that accurately simulate LEO environmental conditions
- Analyze and correlate ground test data with on-orbit performance data to refine prediction models
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams in materials science, polymer chemistry, and power systems engineering
- Drive technical innovation in silicon-based space solar technologies while maintaining awareness of alternative technologies
- Author technical papers and present findings at key industry conferences
- Provide technical mentorship to junior scientists and engineers
- Partner with external vendors and research institutions to advance solar array technology
A day in the life
- Begin the day reviewing overnight data from environmental testing chambers running accelerated life tests on new module designs
- Collaborate with materials scientists to analyze unexpected degradation patterns in polymer encapsulants
- Refine mathematical models using Python/MATLAB to better predict power degradation trends
- Meet with systems engineering team to discuss power requirements for next-generation satellites
- Review proposals from potential silicon cell suppliers and evaluate new technology offerings
- Work with test engineers to design new experiments that better replicate observed on-orbit phenomena
- Analyze discrepancies between ground test predictions and actual satellite performance data
