Senior R&D Engineer I

Senior R&D Engineer I

Based out of Rocket Lab's new site in Albuquerque, NM as part of the SolAero Technologies acquisition, the Senior R&D Engineer will support the development of advanced space and terrestrial solar cell products. This engineer will work in an R&D environment and lead space qualification, confidence, and reliability testing work critical to the introduction of new technologies, materials, and processes.

What You'll Get To Do:

• Develop both a theoretical and practical working knowledge of environmental tests related to qualification and reliability testing of multi-junction solar cells for space and terrestrial applications, including the governing standards and specifications used in the industry.
• Design and utilize electrical circuitry and hardware to enable environmental testing of multiple solar cell devices simultaneously.
• Gain expertise in the entire suite of test equipment used to characterize and rate the performance of multi-junction solar cells, including: Quantum Efficiency, Pulsed and Continuous Illuminated Current-Voltage, Dark Current-Voltage, Transfer Length Measurement, Electroluminescence, Reflectance, Absorptance, Emissivity, Mechanical bend/breakage, Capacitance, and more.
• Develop a detailed understanding of the design, construction, manufacturing methods, and operating principles of series interconnected multi-junction solar cells, and how changes to these may affect performance or reliability in various operating environments (LEO/GEO orbits, interplanetary, terrestrial, etc.).
• Analyze how environmental factors such as temperature, illumination intensity and uniformity, spectral characteristics, particle and UV radiation, atomic oxygen exposure, thermal cycling, thermal shock, humidity, ESD, mechanical shock/vibration, etc., influence the operation and performance of multi-junction solar cells and integrated products.
• Develop a detailed understanding of semiconductor bandgaps and their influence on light absorption, emission, photogenerated current, and voltage production in solar cells.
• Identify key parameters from IV curves (short circuit current, open circuit voltage, fill factor, shunt resistance, series resistance, ideality factor) and understand the phenomena responsible for variability in these parameters.
• Investigate solar cell device failure mechanisms to root cause using the combined understanding of device physics, testing, and environmental effects.
• Accurately define problems or needs, identify the correct measurement methods, efficiently use measurement tools, and perform meaningful, high-value data analysis.
• Plan, manage, and execute qualification, confidence, and reliability testing campaigns for new solar cell technologies.
• Analyze and interpret test data using tools such as Excel and JMP, and confidently present thoughtful and correct analysis to team members.
• Collaborate with R&D and manufacturing engineers to plan and execute required testing activities.
• Work with outside vendors to develop required tools and equipment for testing activities.
• Report results both internally and externally through presentations and formal reports utilizing tools such as PowerPoint and Office.
• Develop strong working relationships across the organization.
• Gain a detailed understanding of the customer base and design/operation requirements for space and terrestrial solar cells.
• Develop the tools and experience needed to take ownership of projects and provide technical leadership for the organization.

You'll Bring These Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related STEM field.
• 5+ years of experience in R&D

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:

• 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, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

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.