Senior R&D Engineer I - Qualification & Reliability

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 - QUALIFICATION & RELIABILITY

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Senior R&D Engineer - Qualification & Reliability, 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. You will support the R&D group by solving multi-disciplinary design problems related to new missions, new materials, and new product development.

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 and the governing standards and specifications used in the industry.
• Design and use of electrical circuitry and hardware to enable environmental testing/characterization of multijunction solar cells and multiple solar cell devices simultaneously.
• Develop both a theoretical and practical working knowledge of 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, Electro Luminescence, Reflectance, Absorptance, Emissivity, Mechanical bend/breakage, Capacitance, etc.
• Develop a detailed understanding of the design, construction, manufacturing methods, and operating principles of series interconnected multi-junction solar cells and how changes to any of these may affect the performance or reliability of these devices in various operating environments (LEO/GEO orbits, interplanetary, terrestrial, etc.)
• Develop a detailed understanding of how environmental factors such as temperature, illumination intensity, illumination uniformity, spectral characteristics, particle and UV radiation, atomic oxygen exposure, thermal cycling, thermal shock, humidity, ESD, mechanical shock/vibe, etc. influence the operation and performance of multi-junction solar cells and integrated products.
• Develop a detailed understanding of semiconductor bandgaps, their influence on light absorption, light emission, photogenerated current production, and voltage production in solar cells.
• Identify the important parameters that can be extracted from an IV curve such as short circuit current, open circuit voltage, fill factor, shunt resistance, series resistance, ideality factor, and the phenomena that are responsible for variability in the above parameters.
• Combine the understanding described above to investigate solar cell device failure mechanisms to root cause.
• Combine the understanding described above to allow accurate definition of the problem or need, identification of the correct measurement method to address the need, efficient and correct use of the measurement tool, and meaningful and high-value analysis of the data.
• Combine the understanding described above to plan, manage, and execute qualification, confidence, and reliability testing campaigns.
• Analyze and interpret test data utilizing tools such as Excel and JMP and confidently present thoughtful and correct analysis to team members.
• Interact with other R&D and manufacturing engineers to plan and execute required testing activities.
• Interact with outside vendors to develop required tools and equipment for testing activities.
• Report results both internally and externally with presentations and formal reports utilizing tools such as PPT and Office
• Develop strong working relationships across the organization.
• Develop 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 AS A SENIOR R&D ENGINEER:

• 5+ years of electrical experience in the characterization of diodes/semiconductors.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering

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 is a plus.
• Experience with solar cell device design/theory is a plus.
• Experience in a production-oriented manufacturing facility is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and an ability to work in a team environment.

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