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Rocket Lab is seeking a Production Engineer I to join its Space Systems team in Albuquerque, New Mexico. You will own photolithography process modules (coat/expose/develop) and associated metrology for solar cell (III-V semiconductors) and silicon-based production processes. This role focuses on process improvements, yield optimization, and day-to-day sustaining work in the fab operation.
Key responsibilities include supporting sustaining activities to maximize yield and productivity across litho work centers; collaborating with Operations, Equipment Maintenance, Process Technicians, and R&D teams; owning photolithography process modules by responding to defect issues, writing work instructions, and overseeing operator training; planning and performing experiments to improve safety, yield, reliability, and throughput; and scoping/procuring new equipment and process approaches for new products and manufacturing expansion.
You will work cross-functionally with operators on the production floor, equipment maintenance personnel, and R&D engineers. The role requires data-driven decision-making and a high degree of area ownership. Rocket Lab's Space Systems team has enabled over 1,700 missions, including interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security initiatives, working with partners like NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
Required: Bachelor's degree in an engineering field. Preferred qualifications include experience with photolithography systems and metrology, wafer fab knowledge (III-V and/or Si), statistical methods (JMP, SQL), photolithography processing modules, solar cell device physics, metallurgy/material science, and quality/manufacturing methods (SPC, OCAP, 8D, FMEA, RCCA). The position may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
