Solar Array Test Engineer

Impulse Space • Redondo Beach, CA

57d • $110,000 - $150,000

About The Position

As a Solar Array Test Engineer at Impulse, you will play a critical role in designing, planning, and executing testing of solar array systems and subassemblies. This role owns test development from requirements through data review, focusing on electrical performance, mechanical integrity, environmental durability, and flight readiness. You’ll work closely with solar array design, power electronics, systems engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust, compliant, and high-performing solar hardware.

Requirements

• B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of direct experience in hardware test engineering
• Working knowledge of photovoltaic behavior, electroluminescence, and solar array performance drivers
• Experience with electrical and thermal instrumentation and DAQ systems
• Familiarity with environmental and mechanical test methods and lab safety practices
• Strong data reduction and analysis skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar
• Clear communicator with solid technical documentation skills

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline
• Direct experience testing solar arrays or photovoltaic hardware
• Familiarity with PV and aerospace qualification standards relevant to solar array testing, including IEC, UL, MIL-STD, NASA, and ECSS standards
• Experience with thermal-vacuum testing, radiation or UV degradation testing, or arc-fault characterization
• Demonstrated ability to drive cross-functional closure of test anomalies and design improvements

Responsibilities

• Define and execute electrical performance tests for solar arrays, including I-V characterization and efficiency measurements
• Plan and run environmental and durability tests such as thermal cycling, UV exposure, vibration, or shock as applicable
• Develop test plans and procedures from system and component requirements, including acceptance criteria
• Design, build, and validate test fixtures, harnessing, and high-power setups
• Partner with design, manufacturing, and suppliers to close test gaps and improve reliability and performance
• Participate in anomaly troubleshooting, root-cause investigations, and re-test plans

Benefits

• long-term incentives, in the form of stock options
• access to medical, vision & dental coverage
• access to a 401(k) retirement plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees