The processes that go into developing K2's solar arrays — from module interconnects and adhesive systems to cover glass coatings and substrate composites — directly determine how much power they produce, how long they last, and how fast we can build them. Getting the process engineering right is not a support function here; it is on the critical path
You will define how K2 selects, qualifies, and scales manufacturing processes for its solar array systems. The operating environments, mission lifetimes, and production rates we are pursuing demand meaningful impact in how our materials are characterized, qualified, and manufactured. You will own the success of implementation of material systems and novel manufacturing processes in the development and scaling of K2’s solar array design and production
Responsible for the development, qualification, and production-scale optimization of K2’s solar array processes — including solar module interconnects, bonding, sintering, lamination, deposition, coating, bonding, mechanism joints, and surface treatment
Research, evaluate, and select conventional and novel processes for solar array applications, driving trades that balance performance, manufacturability, cost, reliability, and schedule
Design and execution of structured DOE and statistical analyses to diagnose manufacturing problems and validate corrective actions
Use a first-principle, physics-based characterization across production processes to identify sources of variation and opportunities for yield improvement
Lead failure analysis, defect characterization, and root causes investigations for process related anomalies
Establish and drive corrective action plans back into design requirements and production
Own the evaluation, cost/benefit analysis, and selection of manufacturing equipment for all in-house process development
Collaborate with the production team to develop process specifications, work instructions, in-process checkouts, and end-of-line tests
Define qualification criteria, test envelopes, and characterization campaigns to establish resultant performance across radiation, thermal cycling, mechanical, and plasma environments
Partner with solar structures/mechanisms, thermal, avionics, and production teams to define manufacturing process-driven requirements, integrated qualification/acceptance testing, and on-orbit data review
Collaborate with leadership on staffing plans, role definitions, and recruiting efforts to ensure the solar array team is appropriately staffed to meet system deliverables
Mentor engineers and establish institutional process knowledge and best practices for solar array hardware at production scale