Senior Technical Program Manager
Solestial
Company Overview
Solestial
HeadquartersTempe, AZ, United States
Founded2013
SizeApproximately 1,100 employees (source: asu.edu). Revenue figures are not disclosed as it is a private company (source: solestial.com).
What They Do
Solestial specializes in silicon photovoltaics engineered specifically for space applications, focusing on the development of radiation-hardened solar cells, modules, and arrays designed for satellites and spacecraft (source: solestial.com). Their core technology features ultrathin, flexible silicon heterojunction solar cells that achieve efficiencies of up to 20%, with a Generation 2 product expected to be available in 2026 (source: solestial.com). These innovative cells are capable of self-annealing radiation damage at operating temperatures as low as 65°C, a significant advancement over traditional silicon cells that typically degrade in high-radiation environments (source: satnow.com). Solestial's product offerings include individual solar cells, flexible solar power modules, and complete solar arrays, all designed to meet the needs of various satellite constellations and missions (source: solestial.com). Their target markets encompass commercial satellite constellations in low Earth orbit (LEO), smallsats, CubeSats, and even lunar settlements, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional III-V multijunction cells (source: satnow.com).
Projects & Track Record
While Solestial has not yet completed any fully operational flight projects, they have secured over $7 million in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts from notable organizations such as NASA and the National Science Foundation (source: satnow.com). Recently, they were awarded a $1.2 million Direct-to-Phase II SpaceWERX contract to develop a rapidly manufacturable 1 kW solar array wing for U.S. Space Force small satellites, showcasing their innovative approach to solar technology (source: satnow.com). Ongoing projects include scaling their second-generation solar cells for flight deployments by late 2025, with production ramping to 1 MW/year through a partnership with Meyer Burger (source: solestial.com). Their key clients include EnduroSat AD, with whom they have a sales agreement for radiation-hardened modules on satellites launching in 2026, and DCUBED, with whom they debuted a new solar array product at the Space Tech Expo (source: solestial.com).
Recent Developments
In October 2025, Solestial announced a significant sales agreement with EnduroSat AD to supply radiation-hardened silicon solar power modules for next-generation satellites set to launch in 2026 (source: solestial.com). Earlier, in August 2024, they entered into a strategic manufacturing partnership with Meyer Burger, aiming to scale production to over 1 MW/year of ultra-thin cells and modules by mid-2025 (source: solestial.com). Additionally, Solestial received a $1.2 million SpaceWERX Direct-to-Phase II contract for a 1 kW smallsat solar array wing, further solidifying their position in the space solar market (source: satnow.com). The company also achieved a significant milestone when the CEA validated their low-temperature radiation-curing technology, confirming its effectiveness in self-recovery at operating temperatures (source: solestial.com).
Working There
Solestial is focused on fostering innovation-driven growth, particularly in roles related to manufacturing, research and development, engineering, and operations to support the rapid scaling of solar cell and module production at their Tempe facility (source: solestial.com). The company is actively hiring for positions at their headquarters and the newly opened Warner manufacturing plant, with a focus on mass-producing thin wafers, cell metallization, and module integration (source: solestial.com). Departments likely include solar cell engineering, module assembly, quality testing, and business development, reflecting their roots in advanced research from Arizona State University (source: asu.edu). The company culture is characterized by a dynamic growth environment and a relentless pursuit of innovation, with team members sharing a passion for solar technology and collaboration with customers (source: solestial.com). While specific benefits are not detailed in available sources, the careers section invites individuals passionate about space solar innovation to join their team (source: solestial.com).
Last updated on Feb 23, 2026 | Report an issue
We're Solestial, and we are building cutting-edge silicon solar power for space. Our tech is designed to survive the extremes-radiation, vacuum, launch shock-and deliver reliable energy to satellites, lunar missions, and beyond. We are a fast-growing startup backed by strategic, experienced investors in the Space and High Tech sectors, and we're on a mission to make off-world energy as scalable and dependable as it is here on Earth. As we accelerate the future of space solar, we're looking for a Senior Technical Program Manager who thrives on bringing customers, engineering, and operations together to deliver mission-ready solutions.
As Senior Technical Program Manager, you will lead customer programs across the full lifecycle, from pre-award planning and proposal development through design, production, test, delivery, and closeout. You will translate customer requirements into initial system concepts through electrical power analysis and technical trade studies, while coordinating closely with engineering, operations, production, and business development. You will own program execution by managing schedules, risks, requirements, technical reviews, customer communications, and internal leadership reporting to ensure that program deliverables are completed on time and meet performance objectives. As Senior Technical Program Manager you will actively participate in cutting-edge solar module design and work closely with the growing portfolio of Solestial customers. In addition, you will work closely with technology and business development regarding product roadmap and production scale plans to ensure timely delivery to customers while meeting specified performance parameters.
Your Mission
- Directly manage accounts within the business portfolio regularly interfacing with customers through the entire program lifecycle including pre-award efforts and project closeout.
- Regularly communicate with customers providing technical overviews and programmatic updates on progress across engineering & development, schedule execution, risk and mitigation status, production progress, and other key program health indicators.
- Perform system level trades and electrical power analysis to create initial design concepts devised from customer provided driving requirements and objectives.
- Develop customer specific designs throughout the program lifecycle managing requirements and engineering tasks by working directly with the technology development and production teams.
- Plan, coordinate, and collaboratively work with the operations team providing inputs to strategic planning such as milestones and key dates, critical schedule and technical dependencies, and mission specific requirements.
- Contribute to proposal development by providing inputs such as engineering and programmatic scope descriptions, cost estimates for non-recurring and recurring deliverables or tasks, and schedule estimations as an output of detailed planning with stakeholders.
- Regularly provide upward status to internal company leadership regarding overall program health, risk status, and schedule progress and updates.
- Lead coordination and execution of major technical reviews such as PDR/CDR including manufacturing and test readiness reviews externally with customers and among internal stakeholders.
- Assist Business Development and support the sales team in business capture through reviewing and providing programmatic and technical content for SOWs, grants, proposals, and competitive technical solutions.
- Consistently execute established program management processes ensuring strong follow-through across stakeholders and identify opportunities to improve existing workflows or develop and implement new processes where needed.
What You Bring
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in a technical field
- 5+ years of relevant experience as a Program Manager or Systems Engineer in the aerospace industry
- Ability to communicate technical material clearly and professionally
- Ability to represent the company professionally to external parties
- Proficiency with developing schedules, managing dependencies, and identifying opportunities and risks
- Experience with satellite electrical systems and solar arrays or photovoltaic technology
- Familiarity with common solar cell technologies and qualification procedures
- Experience using AutoCAD or similar design software
Our Benefits
- Competitive compensation - we want you to grow with us
- Generous, high-quality medical, dental, and vision coverage on day one of employment
- 15 vacation days, 5 sick days, and 10 paid holidays annually - with an extended holiday break at year's end
- 401K with employer match up to 4% of salary
- Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability and employer-sponsored life insurance
- Your work will literally go to space!
Apply now
Job expired?Please let Solestial know you found this job on Rejobs. It helps us grow and get more people working in renewable energy.
Apply now
Job expired?Please let Solestial know you found this job on Rejobs. It helps us grow and get more people working in renewable energy.
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About the role
July 22, 2026
July 25, 2026
Full time
On-site
Company
- Tempe, Arizona, United States
5+ years in aerospace industry
UTC-07:00
