Senior Production 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 PRODUCTION ENGINEER

As a Production Engineer based at Rocket Lab’s site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you will be responsible for process improvements, yield and day to day sustaining work in the III-V semiconductor device fabrication line (space grade solar cells). In this role you will take ownership of new equipment procurement and tech transfer of associated processes. To be successful in this role, you must be data driven, able to build solid relationships with the operations teams, cross functional engineering teams, equipment facilities teams, and upper management. This high visibility role provides a great opportunity to gain critical semiconductor manufacturing engineering experience as well as make an impact on Rocket Lab’s future in the international semiconductor manufacturing field.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Supporting sustaining activities to maximize yield and productivity of fab operation
• Working with operations to meet quarterly and annual business goals
• Own process modules/areas (group of tools associated with different III-V semiconductor device fabrication methods) by responding to defect issues, writing clear work instructions, training, and yield reporting
• Plan and perform experiments to improve safety/throughput/yield/reliability and assist R&D when new products or experiments are needed
• Costing new equipment and calculating ROIs for new processes
• Tool to tool comparisons and evaluation (material processing demonstrations)
• Tool Source and final inspections

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering field
• 5+ years of related industrial/manufacturing experience. Semiconductor-related experience may be considered
• Experience building ROIs, new process/tool FMEAs, prioritization schemes for critical purchasing decisions

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Semiconductor processing experience
• Solid understanding of statistical methods and working knowledge of JMP 14
• Hands-on experience with thin film metrology tools
• Understanding of solar cell device physics and testing methods
• New Equipment procurement
• Finance Engineering (ROI’s, cost analysis, etc.)

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. O