Engineer I/II, R&D

Solaero Technologies Corp - Albuquerque, NM

Full-time - Entry Level

Albuquerque, NM

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing

About the position

The R&D Engineer I/II at Rocket Lab plays a crucial role in the development of innovative solar array components and manufacturing methods. This position involves collaborating with production engineers and other R&D engineers to create new products and processes that advance space solar technology. The engineer will engage in problem-solving across various domains, including electrical, thermal, mechanical, and materials, contributing to the company's mission of enabling vital space missions.

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 R&D Engineer I.
• Bachelor's degree in electrical, aerospace, materials engineering, or applied physics with a GPA of 3.5 or better and 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
• Health insurance
• 401k plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities