Solar Technician (All Levels)

Blue Origin•Hutto, TX

About The Position

The Solar Technician is part of Blue Origin’s Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE) organization and supports development of solar power systems for TeraWave and future missions. The Solar Center of Excellence is building capabilities in solar array development, including materials, processes, testing, and qualification. The role involves hands-on assembly, testing, inspection, lab setup, and process support in a cross-disciplinary R&D environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, with at least 4 years of aerospace hardware assembly or test experience; alternatively, an associate degree with at least 2 years of experience.
Experience operating test equipment and recording data with traceability.
Experience preparing test articles and conducting post-test inspections.
Experience complying with ESD, cleanroom, and FOD requirements; basic metrology experience; and nonconformance documentation experience.
Ability to use precision tools such as calipers, micrometers, and scales to measure tight tolerances accurately.
Strong work ethic and attention to detail, and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment with changing roles and responsibilities.
Basic computer skills, including Windows and Microsoft Office.
Ability to stoop and stand for extended periods.
Ability to lift and carry 25 pounds.
Availability to work any shift, with the possibility of overtime.
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Nice To Haves

6–8 or more years of aerospace hardware experience.
IPC J-STD-001 or IPC-A-610 CIS certifications, or NASA-STD-8739 series training.
Hands-on solar cell stringing or tabbing experience.
Hands-on experience with resistance welding, adhesive dispensing, lamination/encapsulation, or rework.
Experience with solar simulators, IV flash, or EL imaging.
Exposure to TVAC, thermal cycling, or environmental test operations.
Experience with deployment mechanisms or instrumented testing.
Forklift, scissor lift, or precision-handling certifications.
Preventive maintenance experience on lab equipment.
Working knowledge of standard mechanical tools and fabrication shop equipment, such as band saws, chop saws, grinders, drills, and torque wrenches.
Knowledge of drawing review, scheduling systems, work-order systems, inventory, and issue-tracking systems.
Ability to work with engineers to review design concepts, provide feedback on ease of assembly, and support development tests.
Experience reviewing, editing, and following assembly work instructions.

Responsibilities

Assemble solar cell strings under direction, including resistance welding/tabbing, adhesive dispensing, lamination/encapsulation, and rework according to work instructions.
Operate solar simulators, IV flash equipment, and EL imaging under guidance; accurately log data and maintain traceability.
Support TVAC, thermal cycling, and AO/UV exposure setups; prepare test articles and conduct post-test inspections.
Assist with deployment test rig builds and operation, sensor installation, and instrumented tests.
Follow ESD, cleanroom, and FOD controls; maintain clean work areas and support calibration of tools and metrology equipment.
Conduct incoming inspections and basic metrology, including pull/shear, thickness, and flatness measurements, under supervision.
Help establish and organize lab spaces and workstations and support equipment installations.
Identify and escalate build issues; carry out containment and rework under direction and accurately document nonconformances.
Support development and review of work instructions and checklists and participate in process-improvement initiatives.
Assist with fixture and tooling maintenance and safely lift and transfer fragile assemblies.
Maintain lab organization using 5S, manage consumable inventory, and support preventive maintenance of equipment.
Collaborate with a geographically distributed, cross-disciplinary R&D team.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Basic and supplemental life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
401(k) with company match of up to 5%.
Education Support Program.
Stock options for regular employees working at least 20 hours per week.
Paid time off of up to four weeks per year based on scheduled weekly hours.
Up to 14 company-paid holidays.
Depending on role type and job level, potential eligibility for benefits and bonuses; bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed.