Senior Test Engineer Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

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.

To be considered for an interview, please make sure your application is full in line with the job specs as found below.

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.

SENIOR TEST ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Senior Test Engineer will support the manufacturing and testing of advanced space solar cell products.

This engineer will work in a clean room production environment to develop processes, upgrade / maintain equipment, and develop techniques to aid the manufacturing and testing of cutting-edge solar cell products.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO :

• Daily monitoring of test data and work with other engineering teams to ensure a high-quality product is being produced.
• Help to develop process controls around the test area to ensure high-quality testing.
• Develop a basic understanding of the design, construction, manufacturing methods and operating principles of series interconnected multi-junction solar cells.
• Develop a basic understanding of how external variables such as temperature, illumination intensity, illumination uniformity, and spectral characteristics influence the operation and performance of multi-junction solar cells.
• Develop a basic understanding of semiconductor bandgaps, their influence on light absorption, light emission, photogenerated current production, and voltage production in solar cells.
• Develop both a basic 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, illuminated current-voltage, dark current-voltage, electroluminescence, UV / VIS absorptance / reflectance, etc.
• 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 help define the problem or need, help to identify the correct measurement method or tool to address the need, efficient and correct use of the measurement tool, and basic analysis of the data.
• Combine the understanding described above to assess current testing capability and help to improve new test equipment or modifying / implementing new testing procedures.
• Use analysis tools such as Excel, JMP and presentation tools such as Word and PowerPoint to present measurement results and basic analysis, in a clear manner, to others.
• Occasional off-hour support is needed to ensure manufacturing quality and throughput.
• Effectively train technicians on the proper use of equipment, and support their work with proper guidance, expertise and help.
• Document procedures and write work instructions to ensure the proper execution of developed procedures.
• Develop collaborative working relationships with technicians and engineers.
• Work with technicians and engineers to coordinate and prioritize the workload.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS :

• 5+ years of engineering experience and a bachelor's degree in test engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or other technical degree.
• Experience with either solar cell, semiconductors, batteries, or similar technologies.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE :

• Master’s or PhD in test engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or other technical degree.
• Experience with solar cell testing is advantageous.
• Training in semiconductor device theory is advantageous.
• Experience with LabView is advantageous.
• Attention to detail and careful application of engineering rigor are essential.

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.

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