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.   R&D ENGINEER Based out of Rocket Lab's new site in Albuquerque, NM as part of the SolAero Technologies acquisition, the R&D Engineer is responsible for solving the technical challenges associated with interconnecting and integrating solar cells and associated components and wiring into functional solar panels. You will support the Senior Director of R&D and R&D organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Develop space solar power technology that is among the highest efficiency and lightest ever made Develop technology that powers a wide range of missions and impacts nearly every person on the planet Make hands-on contributions to real hardware that operates in space Develop and apply expertise in the operation and construction and cost of space solar panels and the components, materials they are comprised of Design new ways to build solar panels for space, new ways to optimize existing manufacturing equipment, and identify new equipment that transforms the way these high-tech products are made Develop a strong theoretical understanding of the science and engineering principles that underpin space solar panels and assembly equipment, and use that knowledge to train others, recommend improvements, and conduct meaningful experiments Use a structured engineering design process to advance from problem statement to final proven design Use statistical knowledge to design experiments, analyze data, and present results Develop organizational knowledge to efficiently know where to get technical support and solve problems Organize and lead efficient project meetings with well-defined goals and documented outcomes and action items Use failure analysis methods such as five why, fishbone diagrams, root cause analysis, and FMEA to identify causes of failures and develop solutions Document and communicate work product using written and spoken reports and presentation YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS – ( Note: you must meet every qualification in order to be considered):   Bachelor’s degree in electrical, aerospace, materials engineering, or applied physics THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Proficiency in semiconductor device theory and applications, particularly solar cell devices Strong proficiency in engineering design methods and statistics Strong communication skills, with ability to work with multidisciplinary project teams and interact with people of different skillsets, job functions, and abilities Ability to solve problems in a data-driven and detail-oriented manner Strong organizational skills with the ability to lead projects, manage multiple concurrent projects, and plan, prioritize, and document work 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.