Boeing [NYSE: BA] subsidiary Spectrolab, Inc. has named Tony Mueller –a veteran satellite design and manufacturing leader– as president of the solar cell and panel manufacturer.

“Tony brings over 20 years of experience in program management and has a diverse portfolio of expertise,” said Craig Cooning, president of Network & Space Systems. “He has demonstrated exemplary leadership skills that can build upon the Spectrolab team’s success and lead the company as it enters its 60th year in business.”

Prior to this assignment, Mueller was director of Spacecraft Design and Bus Products at the Boeing Satellite Development Center in El Segundo, Calif. Mueller has also served as director for the 702 satellite product line where he was responsible for leading activities required to support new business pursuits and to increase competitiveness of the 702 product line.

Mueller replaces Troy Dawson, who was recently named vice president and program manager for the C-17 Globemaster III Integrated Sustainment Program, a division within Boeing’s Global Services & Support business unit. Mueller’s appointment is effective immediately.

Spectrolab, which is part of Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security unit, is the world’s leading merchant supplier of high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells and panels for concentrated photovoltaic and spacecraft power systems. Spectrolab offers sensors and solar simulators, in addition to being the world’s leading provider of airborne searchlights.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Defense, Space & Security is a $31 billion business with 53,000 employees worldwide.