Senior Test Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 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 si