Senior R&D Engineer I

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR R&D ENGINEER I

Based out of Rocket Lab's new site in Albuquerque, NM as part of the SolAero Technologies acquisition, the Senior R&D Engineer will support the development of advanced space and terrestrial solar cell products. This engineer will work in an R&D environment and lead space qualification, confidence, and reliability testing work critical to the introduction of new technologies, materials, and processes.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop both a theoretical and practical working knowledge of environmental tests related to qualification and reliability testing of multi-junction solar cells for space and terrestrial applications, including the governing standards and specifications used in the industry.
• Design and utilize electrical circuitry and hardware to enable environmental testing of multiple solar cell devices simultaneously.
• Gain expertise in the entire suite of test equipment used to characterize and rate the performance of multi-junction solar cells, including:
  • Quantum Efficiency
  • Pulsed and Continuous Illuminated Current-Voltage
  • Dark Current-Voltage
  • Transfer Length Measurement
  • Electroluminescence
  • Reflectance, Absorptance, Emissivity
  • Mechanical bend/breakage
  • Capacitance, and more
• Develop a detailed understanding of the design, construction, manufacturing methods, and operating principles of series interconnected multi-junction solar cells, and how changes to these may affect performance or reliability in various operating environments (LEO/GEO orbits, interplanetary, terrestrial, etc.).
• Analyze how environmental factors such as temperature, illumination intensity and uniformity, spectral characteristics, particle and UV radiation, atomic oxygen exposure, thermal cycling, thermal shock, humidity, ESD, mechanical shock/vibration, etc., influence the operation and performance of multi-junction solar cells and integrated products.
• Develop a detailed understanding of semiconductor bandgaps and their influence on light absorption, emission, photogenerated current, and voltage production in solar cells.
• Identify key parameters from IV curves (short circuit current, open circuit voltage, fill factor, shunt resistance, series resistance, ideality factor) and understand the phenomena responsible for variability in these parameters.
• Investigate solar cell device failure mechanisms to root cause using the combined understanding of device physics, testing, and environmental effects.
• Accurately define problems or needs, identify the correct measurement methods, efficiently use measurement tools, and perform meaningful, high-value data analysis.
• Plan, manage, and execute qualification, confidence, and reliability testing campaigns for new solar cell technologies.
• Analyze and interpret test data using tools such as Excel and JMP, and confidently present thoughtful and correct analysis to team members.
• Collaborate with R&D and manufacturing engineers to plan and execute required testing activities.
• Work with outside vendors to develop required tools and equipment for testing activities.
• Report results both internally and externally through presentations and formal reports utilizing tools such as PowerPoint and Office.
• Develop strong working relationships across the organization.
• Gain a detailed understanding of the customer base and design/operation requirements for space and terrestrial solar cells.
• Develop the tools and experience needed to take ownership of projects and provide technical leadership for the organization.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related STEM field.
• 5+ years of experience in R&D

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master's or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Experience with semiconductor product qualification and reliability testing
• Experience in solar cell device/product development.
• Experience with solar cell device design/theory.
• Experience in a production-oriented manufacturing facility.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.