Satellite Solar Cell Array Production Technician

About Astro Digital

Astro Digital designs, builds, and operates a diverse range of small satellite systems supporting space-based turnkey missions for several business applications, including earth observation, communications, in-orbit demonstrations, risk reduction, science, and exploration. Astro Digital is headquartered in Littleton, Colorado with roughly 110 employees and infrastructure around the globe.

Position Summary

The Satellite Solar Cell Array Production Technician is responsible for the precision assembly, electrical integration, testing, and rework of space-qualified solar cell arrays, electrical harnesses, and subassemblies. Operating primarily in a cleanroom environment, this role works closely with engineering teams to manufacture, troubleshoot, and modify high-reliability electrical systems and solar power assemblies for satellite missions.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Execute end-to-end assembly, laydown, and electrical interconnection of space-grade solar cells on specialized panel substrates.
• Fabricate, route, terminate, and rework custom satellite wire harnesses, connectors, and cable assemblies according to engineering schematics and IPC standards.
• Perform component-level and subassembly electrical rework, including delicate surface-mount/through-hole soldering, wire modification, trace repair, and component replacement.
• Prepare substrate surfaces and insulating layers using automated cutter machinery, precision hand tools, and specialized tapes.
• Dispense, mix, and thermally cure conductive epoxies and space-qualified adhesives according to strict process controls.
• Execute controlled thermal and mechanical rework to safely replace defective cells, modules, or solar array components without damaging substrates.
• Perform incoming component screening, harness continuity checks, and functional illumination/voltage testing using multimeters and power supplies.
• Maintain cleanroom integrity, ESD controls, and FOD prevention protocols across all production and rework activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; technical trade school, associate degree, or military technical training preferred.
• 1–4 years of hands-on precision assembly and electrical rework experience in aerospace, defense, microelectronics, or precision manufacturing.
• Strong expertise in fine-pitch hand soldering, harness manufacturing, connector crimping/pinning, and electrical subassembly rework.
• Demonstrated experience handling multi-part epoxies, adhesives, syringe dispensing, and thermal curing processes.
• Proficiency with basic electrical testing and troubleshooting using multimeters, power supplies, and harness test fixtures.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Experience working in a certified cleanroom environment following ESD and FOD protocols.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active IPC J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, or IPC/WHMA-A-620 (Wire Harness) certifications.
• Direct experience with spacecraft solar cell laydown, array manufacturing, or space-qualified harness fabrication.
• Proven experience performing delicate thermal rework and adhesive removal on fragile substrates or high-density electronics.

Pay Transparency

Astro Digital employees are provided with a comprehensive benefits package that includes company stock options, healthcare, 401k retirement plan, and PTO. The range of possible compensation for this role is $60k-80k annually, depending on candidate experience and alignment.

Physical Demands

This position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 Lbs. Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching may be required.

High visual acuity and manual dexterity for manipulating delicate, small-scale electrical components and fine wiring.

Ability to work extended shifts in cleanroom attire

Export Statement

This position requires access to export-controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, and services. U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 22 CFR §120.15 and 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) is required.