Senior Automation Technician - Solar Arrays

About the role

Behind every flight-ready solar array is a production line that never stops improving.

As Senior Automation Technician - Solar Arrays (f/m/d) , you will be at the heart of our manufacturing operations, building flight hardware while operating, maintaining, and improving the automated systems that help produce it. Working alongside engineering, production, and automation experts, you will play a key role in ensuring our solar arrays are manufactured safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys solving problems, fixing what others cannot, and taking initiative when challenges arise. We are looking for an experienced technician who combines technical expertise with a practical mindset, a strong sense of responsibility, and a determination to get things done. If you enjoy turning complex production challenges into reliable execution and want to help build hardware that powers missions from LEO to the Moon and beyond, this role is for you.

Responsibilities

Solar Array Manufacturing & Assembly

• Manufacture, assemble, and support the integration of Solar Array flight hardware in accordance with approved processes, work instructions, and quality requirements.
• Operate automated production equipment and robotic systems used in the manufacturing of solar array products.
• Support AIT, and engineering teams during manufacturing, troubleshooting, qualification, and improvement activities.
• Ensure hardware is produced to the required quality, schedule, and traceability standards.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve mechanical, electrical, automation, and process-related issues.
• Perform preventive maintenance, calibration, repair, and commissioning activities on production equipment.
• Support root-cause investigations and implement corrective actions to minimise downtime and recurring issues.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Support upgrades, modifications, and optimisation of automation systems and production workflows.
• Contribute to the implementation of new equipment, tooling, and manufacturing technologies.

Documentation & Collaboration

• Maintain maintenance records, operating procedures, and technical documentation.
• Communicate effectively with Production, Process Engineering, Quality, and Engineering teams to ensure issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.
• Support training activities and knowledge sharing related to automated production systems.

Candidate Requirements

Experience & Qualifications

• Technical degree, apprenticeship, or equivalent qualification in Automation, Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting automated manufacturing equipment.
• Proven ability to work independently and solve complex technical problems with minimal supervision.
• Experience in aerospace, electronics, automotive, precision manufacturing, or other high-tech production environments is highly desirable.
• Eligibility to work in Germany.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of industrial automation, robotics, sensors, actuators, pneumatics, and electromechanical systems.
• Experience with machine troubleshooting, maintenance, commissioning, and repair.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, electrical schematics, and machine documentation.
• Familiarity with PLC-controlled systems and industrial automation equipment.
• Hands-on mechanical and electrical aptitude with the ability to diagnose issues quickly and effectively.

Personal Attributes

• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Highly motivated and proactive, with a drive to get things done.
• Capable of working independently and taking initiative beyond assigned tasks.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting mindset.
• Comfortable operating under pressure and balancing multiple priorities.
• Excellent English communication and teamwork skills.
• Practical, hands-on, and motivated by supporting the successful production of flight hardware.
• Open to working in shifts.