Testing & Qualification Lead - Space Solar Hardware

Testing & Qualification Lead - Space Solar HardwarePosition DetailsLocation: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CAEmployment Type: Full-timeDepartment: Starlight SolarAbout StarpathStarpath Robotics is developing a full stack solution for commercial scale rocket propellant production on the Moon and Mars. We are building one of the key enabling technologies that will make Humans a multi-planet species.The Starlight team is focused on dramatically reducing the cost of space-rated solar power to support both Starpath's propellant production goals and the greater space economy.If high ownership, fast pace, working with hardware, and solving challenging problems sounds like a dream come true, come join the team!The RoleWe're hiring a Testing & Qualification Lead to own a mission-appropriate qualification and acceptance strategy for space solar panels. You will build customer confidence and reduce real technical risk-without burying the team in paperwork or over-testing.This is a pragmatic role: strong standards knowledge, strong judgment, and willingness to get hands-on.ResponsibilitiesOwn internal processes for qualification and acceptance of space solar hardwareMaintain environmental test plans and reference mission set aligned with NASA GEVS (and/or ECSS equivalent) and customer needs.Coordinate execution of environmental tests internally and externally (TVAC, vibration, thermal, radiation, etc.)Efficiently tailor and execute test plans as-needed to explore physical conditions beyond the standard reference mission setDrive right-sized risk analysis (FMEA/FMECA-lite, fault trees where useful)Support failure analysis, root cause investigations, and corrective/preventive actionsPartner with Manufacturing on quality controls, acceptance gates, and nonconformance workflowsCommunicate testing rationale and results clearly to customers and internal stakeholdersRequired QualificationsB.S. or higher in an engineering discipline7+ years in reliability, quality, or test engineering for high-reliability hardware (space/aerospace strongly preferred)Experience building/owning environmental test programs (planning + execution)Strong judgment on test sufficiency vs overkill (schedule/cost/risk tradeoffs)Comfortable pushing back and aligning stakeholders around a clear reliability philosophyPreferred QualificationsRadiation effects or space environment materials degradation experienceSolar array / power subsystem experienceDirect experience with quality and acceptance testingStartup or rapid development program experienceCompensation & BenefitsLocation: Los Angeles (Hawthorne), CASalary base rate is $135-$170k/yr, plus equity package; compensation scales with candidate experiencePTO & health/dental/vision coverage includedEAR REQUIREMENTS:To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.Equal Opportunity