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Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior R&D Engineer I to support the development of advanced space and terrestrial solar cell products at its Albuquerque, NM facility (part of the SolAero Technologies acquisition). This role is based in an R&D environment focused on space qualification, confidence, and reliability testing critical to introducing new technologies, materials, and processes.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop theoretical and practical knowledge of environmental testing for multi-junction solar cells, including governing standards and specifications
- Design and utilize electrical circuitry and hardware for simultaneous environmental testing of multiple solar cell devices
- Gain expertise in comprehensive test equipment including quantum efficiency, current-voltage characterization (pulsed, continuous, dark), transfer length measurement, electroluminescence, reflectance/absorptance/emissivity, mechanical bend/breakage, and capacitance testing
- Develop detailed understanding of multi-junction solar cell design, construction, manufacturing methods, and operating principles across various environments (LEO/GEO orbits, interplanetary, terrestrial)
- Analyze how environmental factors (temperature, illumination, spectral characteristics, radiation, thermal cycling, humidity, ESD, mechanical shock/vibration) influence solar cell operation and performance
- Understand semiconductor bandgaps and their influence on light absorption, photogenerated current, and voltage production
- Identify key parameters from IV curves and understand phenomena responsible for parameter variability
- Investigate solar cell device failure mechanisms to root cause using device physics, testing, and environmental effects knowledge
- Plan, manage, and execute qualification, confidence, and reliability testing campaigns for new solar cell technologies
- Analyze and interpret test data using Excel and JMP; present analysis to team members
- Collaborate with R&D and manufacturing engineers on testing activities
- Work with outside vendors to develop required testing tools and equipment
- Report results internally and externally through presentations and formal reports
- Develop understanding of customer base and design/operation requirements for space and terrestrial solar cells
- Provide technical leadership and take ownership of projects
Note: This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. ITAR compliance required: must be U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from U.S. Department of State/Commerce.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related STEM field
- 5+ years of experience in R&D
Desired:
- Master's or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
- Experience with semiconductor product qualification and reliability testing
- Experience in solar cell device/product development
- Experience with solar cell device design/theory
- Experience in a production-oriented manufacturing facility
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment
