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As a Solar Array Test Engineer at Impulse, you will own the complete test lifecycle for solar array systems and subassemblies—from requirements definition through data review and validation. This role is critical to ensuring electrical performance, mechanical integrity, environmental durability, and flight readiness of solar hardware destined for space applications.
Key responsibilities include:
• Define and execute electrical performance tests for solar arrays, including I-V characterization and efficiency measurements to validate power output and system behavior
• Plan and execute environmental and durability tests such as thermal cycling, UV exposure, vibration, and shock testing to simulate mission conditions
• Develop comprehensive test plans and procedures from system and component requirements, establishing clear acceptance criteria
• Design, build, and validate test fixtures, harnessing, and high-power electrical setups to support testing campaigns
• Partner closely with solar array design, power electronics, systems engineering, and manufacturing teams to identify and close test gaps, improving reliability and performance
• Participate in anomaly troubleshooting, root-cause investigations, and re-test planning to resolve issues and validate fixes
Required qualifications:
• B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of direct hands-on experience in hardware test engineering
• Working knowledge of photovoltaic behavior, electroluminescence, and solar array performance drivers
• Experience with electrical and thermal instrumentation and data acquisition (DAQ) systems
• Familiarity with environmental and mechanical test methods and lab safety practices
• Strong data reduction and analysis skills using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools
• Clear communicator with solid technical documentation and report-writing skills
This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys the full test engineering lifecycle, from fixture design through data interpretation, and who is passionate about ensuring mission-critical hardware performs flawlessly.
