PV Design Engineer

About the role

You will architect and validate the physical integration of power subsystems for our next-generation LEO satellite constellation, ensuring that energy generation, storage, and distribution meet stringent performance and reliability targets in a high-volume manufacturing context. This position demands a methodical problem solver who can translate complex system requirements into executable design verifications while collaborating across mechanical, electrical, and test engineering teams. You will own the development of design architectures, trade studies, and failure mode analyses that directly influence the manufacturability and mission success of our space platforms. The role requires fluency in concurrent engineering practices, where early design decisions are challenged and refined through rigorous prototyping and test loops. You will interface with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders to align on component selections, standards, and verification protocols that adhere to both industry best practices and Espace quality expectations. You are expected to leverage advanced modeling and simulation tools to predict system behavior, optimize power budgets, and mitigate risks before hardware is committed to production. Success in this role will be measured by your ability to deliver robust, scalable, and cost-effective power solutions that survive the harsh space environment and meet demanding launch and operational constraints. You will play a key role in closing the design loop by translating test results into design improvements that drive continuous enhancement of our satellite power systems.

Key facts

What you'll do

Architect power distribution and energy storage subsystems for LEO satellite platforms, defining schematics, block diagrams, and layout configurations that satisfy mission power budgets.

Perform detailed electrical and thermal analysis to validate component selections, ensuring that power converters, regulators, and protection circuits operate reliably within space-grade environmental conditions.

Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including requirements traceability matrices, schematics, layout guidelines, and test protocols that support verification and validation activities.

Collaborate with mechanical and structural engineers to coordinate enclosure integration, thermal management strategies, and mounting solutions that accommodate power hardware within strict volume and mass constraints.

Support the development of test procedures and hardware-in-the-loop simulations to verify power system performance under nominal, off-nominal, and fault conditions throughout the mission lifecycle.

Partner with software and firmware teams to align power management features, such as battery charging, load shedding, and power sequencing, with overall satellite operational strategies.

Lead design reviews and failure mode analyses, identifying single point failures and implementing redundancy or mitigation strategies that enhance system robustness without compromising cost or schedule targets.

Coordinate with procurement and manufacturing teams to ensure that power components are sourced, qualified, and produced in accordance with Espace standards, supporting smooth transitions from engineering to production environments.

Implement design for manufacturing practices that simplify assembly, test, and integration, enabling high-volume production while maintaining high reliability and consistency.

Drive the adoption of best practices and lessons learned across programs, capturing design knowledge and improving methodologies to accelerate future power system development.

Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, reviewing deliverables, guiding design iterations, and fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement.

Support the qualification and acceptance testing of power subsystems, troubleshooting anomalies, and implementing corrective actions to resolve issues before flight hardware is committed.

Apply statistical methods and design of experiments to optimize manufacturing processes, yield, and performance margins for power-related components and assemblies.

Champion the integration of emerging power technologies and components that align with Espace's long-term roadmap for scalable and sustainable space systems.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience in satellite or space systems power design, including architecture development, analysis, and verification in a relevant industry or research environment.

Strong proficiency with modeling and simulation tools used for electrical, thermal, and power systems analysis, enabling accurate prediction of subsystem behavior and performance.

Solid understanding of space-grade power components, including converters, regulators, batteries, protection devices, and their qualification standards and reliability metrics.

Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams, communicating complex technical concepts to engineers and non-technical stakeholders while driving decisions toward executable solutions.

Experience with design for manufacturing and assembly principles, ensuring that power subsystems can be produced efficiently, tested thoroughly, and supported throughout their operational life.

Commitment to adhering to strict documentation, traceability, and change control processes, maintaining clear records that support audits, reviews, and regulatory compliance.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to interpret test results, diagnose root causes, and implement corrective actions in a fast-paced engineering environment.

A background in cleanroom or high-reliability manufacturing processes is highly relevant, with an understanding of how production constraints influence design choices and system integration.

Nice to have

Experience with flexible or printed electronics, including thin-film technologies relevant to space applications and manufacturing processes that leverage roll-to-roll or similar deposition techniques.

Knowledge of radiation effects on electronic components and power systems, and familiarity with mitigation strategies commonly used in satellite applications.

Prior exposure to IoT or commercial space systems, including an understanding of payload integration, ground software interfaces, and mission operations concepts.

Familiarity with standards and best practices for space power systems, including qualification processes, environmental testing, and reliability analysis methods.

Practical notes

This role is based in Arlington, Texas, and requires in-person presence during standard business hours.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for this position at this time.

Travel may be required to support manufacturing activities, test facilities, or supplier locations as operational needs dictate.

Candidates should be prepared to engage in continuous improvement initiatives, documenting lessons learned and contributing to enterprise knowledge bases that enhance future program execution.