Impulse Space
Senior Manufacturing Engineer (Solar Modules)
2651 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278
On-site · Full-time · $140k–$180k (as posted)
First seen by offpeak October 6, 2026
See your drive time Apply on Impulse Space's site
Leveling will be commensurate with experience.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement solar module manufacturing processes across our vehicles, including development builds and to understand how to improve the manufacturing process and iterate new designs.
- Define the manufacturing process flow of solar modules and scale-up of module production rate.
- Conduct comprehensive analysis on the solar module manufacturing process to reduce defects, improve quality and improve yield.
- Lead failure analysis during prototype fabrication to inform design decisions.
- Collaborate with design engineers to ensure manufacturability, DFM/DFA of solar modules.
- Collaborate with cross functional teams long-term reliability in space environments.
- Provide day-to-day support for the production floor, resolving build issues, updating work instructions, and improving yields.
- Provide guidance to solar manufacturing technicians.
- Support environmental and functional testing in production.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelors' degree in Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field
- 4+ years of demonstrated development and/or manufacturing experience with solar modules, either for terrestrial or space applications
- 4+ years of experience with setting up a solar manufacturing line, including using stringers and laminators.
- Experience with failure analysis of solar modules or electronic devices in a development or production setting.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- MS degree in Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field
- 6+ years of demonstrated manufacturing experience in solar manufacturing, particularly for the unique demands of space applications
- Expertise with material selection for solar modules used in space applications and how these materials fail in space applications, including cover sheets, encapsulants, interconnects and backsheets.
- Experience with providing DFM feedback on space solar modules, with an emphasis on reliability in LEO and GEO.
- Experience with failure analysis of space solar modules and a deep understanding of failure modes of solar arrays in LEO and GEO and how to mitigate these in a manufacturing setting.
Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.