New

Senior R&D Process Engineer I

Rocket Lab USA
United States, New Mexico, Albuquerque
10420 Research Road Southeast (Show on map)
Oct 07, 2025
ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more - all with the goal of opening access space. 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 rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. 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 PROCESS ENGINEER Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Senior 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 engineering field 5+ years of experience working with semiconductors 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 hereITAR Regulations.