Engineer I/II, R&D

Rocket Lab USA - Albuquerque, NM

Full-time - Entry Level

Albuquerque, NM

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The R&D Engineer I/II at Rocket Lab is responsible for developing new solar array components and manufacturing methods for space solar power technology. This role involves collaborating with production engineers and other R&D engineers to create innovative products and processes, solving complex problems across various domains including electrical, thermal, mechanical, and materials. The position offers opportunities to lead projects, participate in strategic planning, and become a subject matter expert in space solar technology.

Responsibilities

• Develop space solar power technology that is among the highest efficiency and lightest ever made.
• Advance the state of the art in space solar technology.
• Participate in and lead hardware design projects from concept to production.
• Develop, qualify and implement new assembly processes including new equipment and advanced automation.
• Work with and lead multidisciplinary project teams.
• Participate in strategic product road-mapping.
• Learn something new every day by becoming a subject matter expert in varied areas of expertise.
• Use organizational skills for leading project teams, managing multiple concurrent projects, and planning, prioritizing and documenting work.
• Develop a strong theoretical understanding of the science and engineering principles that underpin space solar panels and assembly equipment.
• Train others, recommend improvements, and conduct meaningful experiments.
• Solve multi-disciplinary electrical, thermal, mechanical, and materials problems for space solar panel products that must survive in multi-effects environments.
• Use failure analysis methods such as five why, fishbone diagrams, root cause analysis, and FMEA to identify potential causes of failures and develop solutions.
• Document and communicate work product using written and spoken reports and presentations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, aerospace, materials engineering, or applied physics with a GPA of 3.5 or better for both R&D Engineer I and II.
• 2+ years of product design or manufacturing engineering experience for R&D Engineer II.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in product development or engineering at an aerospace company.
• Proficiency in semiconductor device theory and applications, particularly solar cell devices.
• Familiarity with the space environment and space solar technology.
• Hands-on experience building prototypes and experimental validation.
• Experience with a structured product development process including Requirements definition, PDR, CDR, MRR.
• Experience with FMEA analysis, Design of Experiments, Root Cause Analysis, Return on Investment analysis, statistical analysis.
• Experience interpreting technical drawings, tolerance stack-up and GD&T.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.