Sr. Panel Manufacturing Engineer - Rocket Lab USA
Albuquerque, NM
About the Job
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. PANEL MANUFACTURING ENGINEER
Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Panel Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing and maintaining processes for building advanced solar panels for space applications and ensuring they won't fail on orbit. You will support the Panel Engineering Manager and the Production organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
- Develop a practical understanding of the design, construction, manufacturing methods and operating principles of series interconnected multi-junction solar cells.
- Develop a practical understanding of the effects that external variables such as temperature, strain conditions, and the effects of a space environment can have on the materials used in the manufacture of solar panels.
- Develop a detailed understanding of parallel gap resistance welding, mechanical fixturing for high throughput assembly, and additive manufacturing techniques.
- Develop a practical working knowledge of the dispense and cure of space grade polymeric adhesives, the methods by which they can be mixed, degassed, and applied. An understanding should be built about the methods by which these materials cure and the factors that drive the effectiveness and rate of that cure.
- Develop a working knowledge of the electrical circuits used in solar panels and the design constraints thereof
- Combine the understanding described above to support current manufacturing capability and work to monitor/improve/expand the existing processes by working with area engineers
- Use your background with PLCs and process automation to support an automated assembly line
- Use analysis tools such as Excel, JMP and presentation tools such as Word and Powerpoint to develop and present results of experiments that you may help execute to internal groups
- Use your experience writing technical documents to help develop a set of standard work instructions for new automated manufacturing processes
- Effectively train operators on the proper use of equipment, and support their work with proper guidance, expertise and help. Provide the daily support that these folks need to be successful.
- Develop collaborative working relationships with operators, technicians, engineers, and managers.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in a related technical field or sufficient equivalent experience.
- 5+ years related experience supporting a manufacturing line in a technical role
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Attention to detail and previous demonstrated experience with writing technical instruction documents
- Experience working with PLC based systems or automated manufacturing tools
- Experience designing tooling and mechanical solutions to support a manufacturing line or process
- Experience with any programming or scripting is a plus, as is SQL experience
- Experience using Statistical Process Control (SPC) to understand whether a process is performing as intended
- Experience with parallel gap resistance welding, polymeric adhesives, wiring, or mechanical fixturing processes
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 Biow 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.