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 MANUFACTURING ENGINEER

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer based at Rocket Lab’s site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you will be responsible for sustaining, improving, and implementing manual and automated welding operations in the solar cell Coverglass-Interconnected-Cell (CIC) manufacturing line. In this role you will own process modules by investigating root cause of defect issues, writing and updating clear work instructions, training, yield reporting. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Supporting sustaining activities to improve throughput and yield of solar cell interconnection welding operations
• Own process modules by investigating root cause of defect issues, writing and updating clear work instructions, training, yield reporting
• Plan and perform experiments to improve safety, yield, throughput, and reliability
• Assist R&D with new products or experiments as needed

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Material Science, Physics, Computer Science
• 5 years of experience in an aerospace production/manufacturing environment
• Hands-on and advanced knowledge of welding operations and welding tools
• Experience with teaching/programming/set up of robot/pick-and-place welding tools
• Automation and vision-based automation experience
• Working CAD knowledge, SolidWorks preferred
• Solid understanding of metallurgy and materials science
• Experience with testing interconnect weld and solder joints
• Experience with statistical process control
• Experience writing and revising work instructions

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

• MS degree in engineering, Material Science, Physics, Computer Science
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Advanced automation skills
• Experience with Cognex vision systems
• SQL and JMP proficiency
• Semiconductor wafer experience
• Knowledge of bonding glass with polymer/adhesive
• Solder and plating experience

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.