Advanced Programs Engineer, Staff (Mechanical Engineer, Lead)
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Goleta, California, United States
Redwire’s Goleta facility is Made for the Mission, delivering advanced power generation technologies that enable spacecraft to operate reliably across every orbit and mission profile. With proprietary designs, deep technical expertise, and large‑scale production capabilities, the team develops solar array solutions tailored to each customer’s size, power, and orbital needs. At the heart of these offerings is Redwire’s patented Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA), an award‑winning system that uses composite booms and modular photovoltaic blankets to create compactly stowable, highly efficient solar arrays. These mission-proven power systems have supported successful deployments across LEO, GEO, and deep space missions, including the ISS, NASA’s IXPE mission, and NASA’s DART mission.
Summary
We are actively seeking an Advanced Programs Engineer, Staff to join our team in Goleta, CA. This role involves working intimately with our Business Development team to configure deployable solar array systems for new business pursuits. The position will encompass a blend of mechanical engineering duties, including mechanical and electrical design, systems engineering, and structural analysis. Additionally, it will incorporate business development responsibilities, such as defining system requirements, formulating system architectures, identifying potential customers and partners, fostering relationships with key stakeholders, and aiding in the development of marketing and sales strategies. The ideal candidate should have a significant background with 8 or more years of mechanical engineering experience, strong academic credentials, and a deep-rooted passion for space exploration.
Responsibilities
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Technical Lead in Business Pursuits: As part of the Business Development team, you will function under the guidance of the Advanced Programs Engineering Manager as a technical leader for new solar array business pursuits.
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Configuring Solar Array Designs: Your daily responsibilities will include designing solar array configurations. This includes creating Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models, appropriately sizing photovoltaic power systems, and collaborating with the structural analysis team to satisfy customer needs. This collaborative effort will result in the production of proposal technical volumes.
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Reviewing and Guiding Customer Requirements: You will take part in examining client requirements. In some instances, you will guide customers in creating new product specifications that suit their needs. This aspect of your job will involve developing Statements of Work (SOWs), Supplier Deliverable Item Lists (SDILs), and Verification-Compliance Matrices.
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Subcontractor Liaison: In this role, you will serve as the technical point of contact for subcontractors, including cell supplier, composites manufacturers and other spacecraft components. This includes collaborating with our internal supply chain team on proposal initiatives, ensuring that all technical aspects are adequately addressed and that communication between parties is efficient and clear.
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Strategic Contribution to Growth: You will significantly contribute to the development of marketing and sales strategies, aimed at expanding the solar array product line. Your role may also extend to participating in Internal Research and Development (IRAD) and other developmental projects. This will involve an understanding of both the technical and business aspects to ensure the overall growth of the company's product line.
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Collaborate on Product Design: As a crucial part of your role, you will collaborate with various engineering teams to stay current on product designs and provide guidance on market needs. This process will require cross-functional collaboration and a comprehensive understanding of the different systems within the product to ensure seamless integration. Your expertise will be vital in problem-solving, decision-making, and contributing to the final, high-quality product design.
Ideal Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- 8 or more years of industry experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering
- 2 or more years of industry experience with relevant spacecraft structures or mechanisms
- Experience with CAD software
- Experience with Space Solar Array power analysis
- Prior mechanical design experience
- US citizen or legally authorized to work in the US (permanent resident/green card holder; visa sponsorship not accepted) OR US citizen required when applicable
Desired Skills
- Familiarity with deployable solar arrays, including flexible blanket technologies, or other deployable mechanical systems such as antennas and reflectors.
- Ability to develop and manage requirements specifications using systems engineering best practices.
- Experience with business development activities and direct customer interactions with clear and effective client communication skills.
- Capability to use Solidworks CAD software and Solidworks Product Data Management (PDM).
- Aptitude for managing subcontractors and developing specifications and Statements of Work (SOWs).
- Understanding of static and dynamic structural analysis principles, including structural strength and stiffness.
- Familiarity with photovoltaics and a solid grasp of general electrical principles.
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Passion for space exploration
Grow with us as we innovate the next generation capabilities for a new era of space exploration! We offer a highly competitive benefits package along with a commitment to our core values of Integrity, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, and Excellence.
Don’t meet every single requirement above? No worries. We want people who can grow, collaborate and build a stronger team. We strive to build a diverse and inclusive culture, so if you’re excited about this job posting, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
How We Determine What We Pay (Compensation Philosophy)
Redwire determines pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data, for our locations throughout the US. We will evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index, in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company.
For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant’s level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. Additionally, we consider the external market rate, the amount we have budgeted internally, and internal equity within the company for the same position. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.
Redwire is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Redwire is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
All offers of employment at Redwire are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check and your ability to provide proof of eligibility to work in the US. Note that some positions will also require US citizenship or ability to obtain a security clearance due to requirements of a classified program.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR
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