Senior R&D Engineer

Rocket Lab Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,300 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented. SPACE SYSTEMS This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in Rocket Lab’s evolution into an end-to-end space company that delivers launch, spacecraft, and on-orbit operations. The Space Systems Division is shaping Rocket Lab’s future with Photon, our brand of high-performance satellites, enabling innovative missions in low Earth orbit and beyond including missions for NASA to LEO, the Moon, and Mars and commercial customers, including leading the design and manufacture of 17 high-power telecommunication spacecraft buses for Globalstar. Rocket Lab is also growing our spacecraft components business, anchored on the acquisition of Sinclair Interplanetary manufacturing reaction wheels and star trackers in Toronto, SolAero Technologies manufacturing solar power and primary structure solutions in Albuquerque , Planetary Systems Corporation manufacturing launch separation systems in Silver Spring, and Advanced Solutions, Inc., provider of flight and ground software as a service in Denver. Our components business is key to vertically integrating our spacecraft solutions and enabling constellations for customers.   SENIOR R&D ENGINEER Based out of Rocket Lab's new site in Albuquerque, NM as part of the SolAero Technologies acquisition, the Senior R&D Engineer plays a key role in solving the technical challenges of interconnecting and integrating solar cells and associated components and wiring into functional solar panels. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Develop and apply expertise in the materials, components, and designs that comprise space solar panels, including adhesives, interconnects and electrical components Develop and apply expertise in the equipment and methods used to assemble space solar panels, including electrical joining and automated or mechanized assembly Develop and apply a detailed understanding of the cost structure of space solar panels and translate that understanding into high-value cost reduction initiatives Develop and apply knowledge of how the space environment affects space panel assembly materials, components, and design choices Innovate and lead the development of new solar panel designs and manufacturing methods using knowledge of the operating environment, requirements, manufacturing methods, and cost reduction opportunities Interface with customers to understand mission-specific requirements and specifications, and generate and implement new designs and manufacturing methods to meet those requirements Develop expertise in the use and maintenance of equipment Lead multi-functional teams through a new product introduction process, including problem definition, FMEA, experimentation, engineering validation, design review, qualification, documentation, and production hand-off Assist in the design and development, and procurement of custom tooling and equipment for the assembly of space solar panels. Train others on the proper use of tooling and equipment Define the goals, scope of work, budget, needed resources, and schedule of large and small projects, and manage the technical aspects of those projects effectively to completion including internal and external reporting Document innovative solutions and intellectual property and translate into formal patent disclosures YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS – ( Note: you must meet every qualification in order to be considered):   A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials Engineering, or Physics PLUS, a Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials Engineering, or Physics; or 4+ years of experience in a technical product development or technology manufacturing environment in lieu of a graduate degree THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Training in principles of the operation of solar cells, diodes, and other semiconductor electrical devices Experience or training in space solar product design or manufacturing Experience or training in space environments and their effect on the design and operation of space solar panels Familiarity with the operation and testing of solar electrical power systems and understanding of their dependence on environmental conditions Demonstrated strong organizational skills for leading project teams, managing multiple concurrent projects, and planning, prioritizing and documenting work. Demonstrated strong inter-personal skills to work with multi-disciplinary project teams and interact with people of different skillsets, job functions, and abilities. Demonstrated strong cognitive ability to become a subject matter expert in various areas of expertise by researching applicable theory and knowledge base, and consulting with resident experts BENEFITS AND LOCATION: Relocation eligible to local area – Albuquerque, NM – depending on position 9/80 schedule Healthcare (medical, dental, vision) 401k match up to 3% 10 paid company holidays and 16 days of PTO Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) SolAero by Rocket Lab is based in Albuquerque (ABQ), in the heart of New Mexico. ABQ offers both affordability and easy access to the outdoors and rich cultural centers such as museums and art galleries. With almost 300 days of sunshine a year, but also proximity to secluded ski slopes, there’s something for everyone who loves the outdoors. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities to try authentic New Mexican cuisine – a delicious blend of traditional Native American foods mixed with roasted green chiles. Fun fact: ABQ is the hot air ballooning capital of the world! It’s for all these reasons and more that New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment. Important information: FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S Department of State. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY: For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.  Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here  ITAR Regulations.