Sr. R&D Process Engineer
Rocket Lab

Job Info

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ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab's Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

SR. R&D PROCESS ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Sr. R&D Process Engineer will work in an R&D environment to develop new processes and improve existing capabilities for the manufacture of cutting-edge III-V solar cell products. You will support the Process Engineering Manager, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Lead/contribute to semiconductor fabrication process development projects to advance new products from concept phase through manufacturing phase
• Develop a detailed understanding of the design, construction, manufacturing methods, and operating principles of series interconnected multi-junction solar cells and their operation in the space environment
• Develop an understanding of the relationship between fabrication process and device performance, cost, reliability, and manufacturability
• Some examples include Mask design, photolithography, Wet etch, Metal deposition, Wafer thinning
• Write process recipes, work instructions with process and engineering controls, and develop an understanding of fabrication tool functionality. Help troubleshoot tool issues and process-related device issues including hands-on work in a clean-room
• Contribute technical innovation to improve product value and increase market share, including new device designs, manufacturing methods, and manufacturing cost reduction and analysis
• Develop sufficient expertise with available modeling, growth, fabrication, test, and design tools to recommend better methods, improved designs and upgrade opportunities
• Assume ownership and accountability for successful completion of research projects and customer programs
• Interact with outside vendors to procure tools and equipment for fabrication of devices
• Report results both internally and externally with presentations and formal reports
• Develop strong working relationships across the organization. Train and work closely with technicians and operators
• Develop understanding of the customer base and design requirements for space solar cells and other products
• Use analysis tools such as Excel, JMP and presentation tools such as Word and PowerPoint to develop thoughtful and correct analyses and conclusions of projects, and present those conclusions to others in a convincing and confident manner

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors in materials science, electrical engineering, physics, or other technical field and 5+ years of experience working with semiconductors or similar
  • OR, Master's degree in materials science, electrical engineering, physics, or other technical field with 3+ years of experience working with semiconductors or similar,
  • OR, PhD with 1+ years of experience working with semiconductors or similar
• Experience with common III-V (Arsenide & Phosphide) semiconductor fabrication techniques
• Experience with fabrication process development and familiarity with semiconductor device manufacturing methods

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience in manufacturing and aerospace preferred
• Experience with growth or testing of optoelectronic devices
• Experience with solar cell device design/theory
• Experience in a production-oriented manufacturing facility

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

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.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

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.

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