Job Description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a skilled and driven Solar Array Manufacturing Engineer to support the production of photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays for a leading Aerospace organization in Midland, TX. This role is focused on precision microelectronics-style manufacturing, specifically the interconnection of solar cells using advanced bonding and welding technologies.
Key Responsibilities:

• Operate and program Hesse ultrasonic wire bonders for fine wire solar cell connections
• Operate Amada resistance welders for bus bar and interconnect welding
• Develop and optimize cleanroom assembly processes (tabbing, stringing, panel builds)
• Troubleshoot defects using root cause analysis and implement corrective actions
• Create and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and inspection criteria
• Train technicians on ESD protocols, safety procedures, and precision handling
• Conduct quality inspections aligned with aerospace standards (NASA, IPC, ECSS)
• Collaborate with design engineers to improve manufacturability and throughput
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to support high-volume, high-reliability output

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in solar array manufacturing, wire bonding, or microelectronics assembly
• Proven expertise with Hesse ultrasonic bonding and Amada resistance welding systems
• Strong understanding of PV cell interconnect design and space-grade component handling
• Familiarity with cleanroom operations, ESD controls, and aerospace quality standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, NASA, ESA)
• Excellent problem-solving, documentation, and process optimization skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a high-reliability production environment
• Willingness to relocate to Midland, TX and commit to a full-time, on-site schedule

Compensation:

• Salary: $85,000/ year depending on experience
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, UNLIMITED PTO, Sick Leave as required by law, and Holidays
• Other benefits: relocation assistance ($10,000), Restricted Stock Units, monthly meal allowance and stipend (totaling $1,000/month additional)
• Clearance Level: Must be eligible to work in the United States and pass a background check
• Location: 100% onsite in Midland, TX

Keywords: photovoltaic solar arrays, satellite power systems, space-based cellular broadband, phased-array antennas, low-Earth orbit, high-volume manufacturing, cleanroom operations, solar cell tabbing, stringing, panel assembly, Hesse ultrasonic wire bonders, Amada resistance welders, microelectronics assembly, bus bar welding, interconnect bonding, aerospace quality standards, NASA, IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, ECSS, ESA, root cause analysis, process optimization, work instructions, inspection criteria, ESD safety, precision welding, solar cell interconnects, manufacturing documentation, environmental testing, vibration testing, thermal vacuum testing, continuous improvement, electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, assembly layouts, Restricted Stock Units, relocation assistance, meal stipend, aerospace-grade quality, satellite manufacturing, space hardware integration, solar panel mechanisms, power subsystem engineering, high-reliability production, cross-functional collaboration, technical training, defect resolution, cleanroom protocols, solar cell handling, welding calibration, equipment capability studies, Hesse, Amada, ultrasonic wire bonding for solar array assembly, ultrasonic wire bonding, solar array assembly

Skills Required