Solar Cell and Solar Generator Engineer

Solar Cell and Solar Generator Engineer in the Solar Generators Section, Power Systems, EMC and Space Environments Division, Electrical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Solar Generators Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) on space solar cells, space photovoltaics and space solar generators.

The scope includes parts, materials, processes and technologies, electrical and mechanical design, development, manufacturing, integration, testing and in-orbit performance evaluation. Within this domain of competence, the Section also runs laboratory activities for characterisation and qualification of solar cells, photovoltaic assemblies and solar panels, including problem investigation. In addition, it contributes to the definition of standards on solar cells, photovoltaic assemblies and solar generators.                                                                                                                           

You will report to the Head of Section and, within the technical fields described above, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

• providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the area of solar cell and solar generator technologies throughout all project phases, including design, development, manufacturing, integration, testing and in-orbit performance evaluation;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation of procurement proposals;
• identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution;
• contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency’s technology programmes;
• defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs;
• fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, with the emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
• coordinating laboratory activities and conducting tests and characterisation as required;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
• contributing to the dissemination of the results of activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

Your duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of competence.

A Master’s degree in physics or electrical engineering is required. Preference will be given to applicants with a PhD on space photovoltaic topics.

• Overall, at least 10 years’ experience of solar cells and solar generators for space applications;
• Experience in technology, process development and manufacturing at part level of space solar cells and related  components (e.g. Ge wafers, solar cell shunt diodes), and at sub-system level of space photovoltaic assemblies and solar generators;
• Experience in the definition of specifications and test plans for space solar generators, photovoltaic assemblies, solar panel substrates and solar cell assemblies;
• Experience in the electrical design and evaluation of the in-orbit performance of space solar generators;
• Experience in conducting characterisation, testing, qualification and failure investigation of solar cells, photovoltaic assemblies and solar generators.

The following are considered assets:

• Knowledge of the mechanical design and thermo-mechanical properties of space solar generators and their components;
• Knowledge of space environment effects on solar generators.