Blue Origin · 18 hours ago
Senior Research Engineer - Photovoltaics
Denver, CO
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$170K/yr - $237K/yr
8+ years expBlue Origin is working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems for the benefit of Earth. The Senior Research Engineer will push the frontier of space photovoltaics by designing tests, analyzing data, and collaborating across disciplines to create reliable power solutions for space missions.
AerospaceManufacturingNational SecurityRenewable Energy
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
Benefits
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%
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.
Company
Blue Origin
Blue Origin is an aerospace company that focuses on lowering the cost of spaceflight and helping to explore the solar system.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$185.35MKey Investors
NASAUnited States Space Force
2024-02-20Secondary Market
2024-01-24Undisclosed· $18M
2021-12-03Grant· $130M
Leadership Team
David Limp
Chief Executive Officer
Tim Collins
Vice President, Global Supply Chain
Recent News
Hartford Business Journal
2026-01-16
Washington Technology
2026-01-11
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