Section Manager – Energy Generation

Job Summary 

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The expertise of the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems. 

The Energy Technology Department (ETD) within PSL conducts basic and applied research in energy storage and generation technology for national security space systems. The department provides technical expertise in space solar cell and solar array technology, leading the community in characterizing photovoltaic devices and understanding their performance and degradation in space environments. We are seeking a dynamic Energy Generation Section Manager to lead our team in developing techniques, tools, and prototypes for evaluating next-generation spacecraft solar cell and solar array technology. 

In this strategic leadership role, you will guide and mentor a team of 5-10 scientists, engineers, and research associates while conducting hands-on research and providing direct space program support for energy generation, solar cells, and arrays. You will combine deep expertise in space photovoltaic characterization with team leadership to deliver mission-critical solutions, collaborating with the department director and partner organizations to advance strategic objectives while maintaining technical credibility through active research and publications. 

Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour  

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA. 

What You’ll Be Doing  

You will apply deep technical expertise in photovoltaics combined with strategic leadership, innovation, and strong interpersonal skills to plan, develop, and coordinate breakthrough solutions for space power generation technology in a collaborative multi-disciplinary environment. 

The position involves: 

~65% Individual Contributor Work: 

• You will interface with space program offices to understand customer needs and providing direct technical support in solar cell/array acquisition, development, test, reliability, and system-level analysis. 

• You will establish and maintain strategic networks with government counterparts, industry partners, and external collaborators across the space power community to identify emerging requirements and technology insertion opportunities. 

• You will conduct and lead R&D projects that reduce risk and enable rapid technology transitions and contribute to the future spacecraft solar cell and array technology roadmaps. 

• You will prepare written and oral reports of research activities and accomplishments, and present to higher management, customers, internal colleagues and the broader scientific community. 

• You will participate in inter-organizational team assignments and educational activities that advance Aerospace's technical capabilities and support knowledge sharing across the enterprise. 

~35% Management Work: 

• You will supervise 5-10 technical staff (scientists, engineers, and research associates), including supporting career development, performance reviews, and determining hiring needs while ensuring corporate practices and security policies are followed. 

• You will work with the department director and business manager to develop and implement organizational R&D and program support strategies for solar array technology, provide input for budgetary planning, and communicate corporate policies to staff. 

• You will provide strategic and administrative guidance and mentorship to technical staff for the organization, execution, and work product documentation of photovoltaic research and solar array evaluation activities. 

• You will establish interfaces with internal programs and external collaborators, assign staff to projects, monitor and evaluate project progress, and identify new business opportunities in space power generation technology. 

 What You Need to be Successful – Manager, Energy Generation  

Minimum Requirements for the Section Manager – Energy Generation include: 

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, materials science, device physics or related STEM field is required 

• A minimum of (6) years of applicable professional experience (post-bachelors) participating in photovoltaic technologies, solar cell characterization, solar array systems engineering or space power systems technologies is required 

• In-depth knowledge of and experience with advanced space photovoltaic device characterization techniques, solar simulators, solar array materials analysis, and/or spectroscopic characterization techniques. 

• Able to work effectively with a diverse range of customers and programs, identify technical support requirements and collaborate within engineering matrix organization  

• Effectively communicate and manage conflicts and competing priorities  

• Highly motivated and goal-oriented, with exceptional interpersonal skills that drive success in inter-organizational and interdisciplinary teamwork. 

• Willing to travel approximately 10-20% (as required). 

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. 

How You Can Stand Out  

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:  

• Advanced degree in chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, materials science, device physics, or related STEM field is preferred 

• A strong technical background and experience in spacecraft solar cell and solar array systems engineering, requirements development, design or development for one or more space systems 

• Experience in technical projects or program leadership is highly desirable, indicating the ability to successfully manage complex initiatives and drive cross-functional collaboration 

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: 

• Photovoltaic device or solar array technology research, solar array AI&T (Assembly, Integration, and Test) activities, anomaly resolution, and/or on-orbit operation or telemetry analysis. 

• Space radiation and space environmental effects on photovoltaic materials such as III-V semiconductors, silicon, perovskites, CIGS, or other power generation technologies. 

• Solar cell/solar array modeling for solar array design and predicting on-orbit performance. 

• Exploitation of large datasets, data management and analysis for fundamental research applications such as application of AI/ML to data analysis. 

• Active participation in professional societies or technical working groups related to space power generation. 

• A current and active TS/SCI is security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government, is strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.