Lead Engineer - Space Solar Hardware
Starpath
Location
Hawthorne, CA
Employment Type
Full time
Department
Starlight Solar
Lead Engineer - Space Solar Hardware
Position Details
Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA
Employment Type: Full-time
Department: Starlight Solar
About Starpath
Starpath Robotics is developing a full stack solution for commercial scale rocket propellant production on the Moon and Mars. We are building one of the key enabling technologies that will make Humans a multi-planet species.
The Starlight team is focused on dramatically reducing the cost of space-rated solar power to support both Starpath's propellant production goals and the greater space economy.
If high ownership, fast pace, working with hardware, and solving challenging problems sounds like a dream come true, come join the team!
The Role
We’re looking for a hands-on Engineering Lead to take end-to-end technical ownership of our solar panel hardware. You'll inherit the most cost-effective space-rated solar solution available in the world today, and be given all the resources necessary to maintain that position.
This is a build-first, lead-by-doing role—high autonomy, high accountability, minimal bureaucracy.
Responsibilities
Serve as design authority for Starlight Solar products
Build the solar engineering org to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding business unit
Translate customer needs/product strategy into executable engineering plans
Own all technical aspects of solar products - development, reliability, manufacturing, etc.
Work cross-functionally with customer-facing business units to ensure excellence in all technical communications
Establish a culture of excellence throughout the engineering org from the top down
Act as the penultimate approver of all major development, qualification, and manufacturing activities.
Required Qualifications
B.S. or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering field
10+ years building high-reliability hardware (space preferred)
Strong mechanical fundamentals (structures, packaging, materials interactions)
Comfortable operating across relevant engineering disciplines
Experience with space environmental testing standards (NASA GEVS, ECSS, or similar)
Clear technical communication and strong engineering judgment
Preferred Qualifications
Direct experience with space solar arrays, deployables, power systems packaging, or similar hardware
Startup / small-team environment experience
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Experience preparing hardware for environmental qualification (TVAC/vibe/radiation planning)
Compensation & Benefits
Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CA
Salary base rate is $160-$200k/yr, plus equity package; compensation scales with candidate experience. Option for performance based incentives.
PTO & health/dental/vision coverage included
EAR REQUIREMENTS:
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Equal Opportunity
Starpath is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.