Senior Production Engineer I / II

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.

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 PRODUCTION ENGINEER I / II

As a Senior Production Engineer based at Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you will be responsible for yield, process improvements, and day to day sustaining work in the III-V semiconductor solar cell production processes. In this role you will lead yield related projects. Some examples are large scale excursions, deviation reports, tool malfunctions, chemical mis pours, lithography mask related issues, breakdowns in quality controls etc. You will be required to have a deep understanding in multiple work centers throughout the cell fab which include but are not limited to, photolithography, wet and DRIE etch, metal evaporation, wafer grind, wafer dice, tape mounting and demounting systems and the associated inspections and metrology. This role is also responsible for leading technology transfers of new products and processes from R&D to production manufacturing. To be successful in this role, you must be data driven, able to build solid relationships through all levels in the organization (operations, R&D, finance, and upper management) and possess a high degree of ownership. 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 :

• Own process modules by responding to defect issues, writing clear work instructions, training, and yield reporting daily
• Supporting sustaining activities to maximize yield and productivity of fab operation
• Respond to excursions and line-down scenarios over a 24 / 7 work period
• Working with operations to maximize project completion and achieve program specific yield targets
• Plan and perform experiments to improve safety / throughput / yield / reliability and assist R&D when new products or experiments are needed
• Scoping new equipment and process approaches for new products and manufacturing expansions

(Please note : this role can be hired at the Senior Production Engineer I or Senior Production Engineer II level)

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR PRODUCTION ENGINEER I :

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR PRODUCTION ENGINEER II :

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE :

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS :

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.

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.

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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 .

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