Principal/Senior PV Systems Engineer

Principal/Senior PV Systems Engineer

DCUBED

Germering, Germany

About the role:

As a Principal/Senior PV Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for the adaptation, integration, and qualification of photovoltaic technologies for space applications.

You will play a key role in the development of Dcubed’s ARAQYS advanced solar array product line, enabling affordable and scalable power generation in space at unprecedented power levels.

You will operate across the full development chain, from evaluation of emerging PV technologies to their implementation as flight-ready hardware, working hands-on with real systems. The role combines device-level understanding, system engineering, and practical hardware development, ensuring that photovoltaic technologies can be reliably deployed in space environments.

Responsibilities:

• Take ownership of PV-related development within ARAQYS solar array products, ensuring alignment with system requirements and mission needs
• Drive the adaptation of photovoltaic technologies to space environments, identifying and addressing challenges related to radiation, thermal cycling, contamination, and long-term performance
• Evaluate and mature novel and emerging PV technologies, assessing their suitability for high-power space applications and supporting their integration into ARAQYS products
• Define and implement PV integration approaches, including cell interconnection, electrical architectures, and system-level implementation strategies
• Design and develop prototypes, breadboards, and flight hardware, following Dcubed’s fast iteration approach to validate concepts early and improve designs through testing
• Plan, prepare, and execute test campaigns and qualification activities, including thermal vacuum, vibration, radiation, and lifetime testing
• Support and participate in integration, assembly, and testing activities, working hands-on with hardware throughout development
• Interface with PV suppliers and technology partners, defining technical requirements, supporting procurement decisions, and ensuring scalability and manufacturability
• Contribute to system-level design and product architecture, working closely with mechanical, thermal, and electrical engineering teams
• Maintain technical performance understanding, including BOL/EOL performance and degradation effects, and translate these into design and implementation decisions
• Prepare technical documentation and participate in internal and external stakeholder meetings, supporting program execution

Candidate requirements:

• Education: MS or PhD in photovoltaics, semiconductor physics, materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field
• Strong technical understanding of: photovoltaic devices and technologies, electrical behavior of solar cells and arrays, degradation mechanisms and environmental effects
• Good understanding of engineering and manufacturing processes related to PV integration, including how process choices impact performance, reliability, and scalability
• Proven ability to translate theoretical understanding into practical engineering solutions
• Hands-on experience with hardware development, prototyping, or experimental setups
• Experience working across disciplines and contributing to system-level engineering decisions
• Fluent in English
• Eligible to work in Germany