Solar Array Test Engineer

About the role

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.

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

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