Don Walker

About Don Walker

I am a senior research scientist and engineer with 14+ years of experience working at the intersection of physical systems, data, and software.My background is in space photovoltaics and radiation effects, where I’ve led experimental characterization of solar cells and arrays, modeled degradation in harsh environments, and translated test data into mission power predictions. Along the way, I found myself repeatedly building Python tools, data pipelines, and models to make sense of complex, noisy datasets and to support engineering decisions.Today, my work spans:Space solar cell and array characterization (IV, QE, EL, radiation effects)Physics-based and data-driven modeling for performance and degradationScientific Python development for analysis, simulation, and visualizationData engineering for research and test environments (APIs, databases, pipelines)I’m interested in roles that involve turning complex data into insight, whether that’s in space systems, energy technologies, or data-intensive engineering environments. I enjoy working close to the physics and close to the software. Core tools: Python, SPICE modeling, FastAPI, Docker/Kubernetes, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Airflow Domains: Space photovoltaics, radiation effects, uncertainty analysis, scientific computing

Experience

1. Sr Scientist

   The Aerospace Corporation

   Jul 2021 — Present · El Segundo, CA, US

   Lead research in space solar cell and array characterization, degradation, and performance modeling for spacecraft power systems• Perform light current–voltage (I-V), quantum efficiency (QE), electroluminescence (EL), optical, and temperature-dependent measurements across laboratory, high-altitude, and on-orbit datasets• Analyze radiation effects on solar cells using custom Python code (solarpy) implementing JPL Equivalent Flux (EQFLUX) and NRL Displacement Damage Dose methods; correlate environmental, test, and flight data• Design and execute experimental test campaigns and statistically grounded test matrices to quantify degradation, variability, and uncertainty• Analyze impacts of coverglass and adhesive degradation on solar cell and array performance• Develop physics-based and data-driven models for solar cells and arrays, including SPICE-backed array simulators for anomaly investigation and power prediction• Resolve space solar cell and array anomalies through integrated data analysis, modeling, and targeted experimentation• Translate complex experimental and operational data into actionable engineering guidance for programs• Mentor and onboard scientists and engineersSoftware, Data, and Infrastructure (Integrated with Research)• Architect and maintain Python libraries for solar cell and array modeling, parameter extraction, and degradation analysis• Build scalable data ingestion and processing pipelines for laboratory, environmental, and telemetry datasets• Develop APIs and web-based tools to enable programmatic access, visualization, and collaboration• Design and implement an MCP server exposing solar array and spacecraft power modeling as a service for automation and AI-assisted workflows• Design and operate databases (MongoDB, InfluxDB, PostgreSQL) as authoritative analysis sources• Deploy and maintain research data infrastructure using Docker and Kubernetes• Create interactive analysis and reporting dashboards using Plotly Dash

Education

• Caltech

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Chemistry

  2003 — 2010

• Southern University and A&M College- Baton Rouge

  Bachelor's degree, Chemistry

  1999 — 2003

• Caltech

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Inorganic Chemistry

Skills

• Sensors
• Xps
• Microscopy
• Particle Accelerators
• Python
• Uv-Vis-Nir
• Thin Films
• Multi-Core Programming
• Particle Effects
• Solar Cells
• Characterization
• Spectroscopy
• Labview
• Nanotechnology
• Raman Microscopy
• Chemistry
• Scientific Computing
• Fluorescence Spectroscopy
• Materials Science
• Nanomaterials
• Matlab
• Solar Energy
• Carbon Nanotubes
• Ftir
• Physics
• Parallel Algorithms
• Cuda
• Photoluminescence
• Absorption Spectroscopy
• Scanning Electron Microscopy
• Surface Chemistry
• Raman
• Parallel Programming
• Electrochemistry
• Photovoltaics
• Vacuum Chambers
• C++
• Afm