Production Engineer II

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets spacecraft and critical subsystems that keep the world connected protected expand humanitys reach to the Moon Mars and beyond. We move fast build real hardware for meaningful missions and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab were not just launching rockets were building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space like solar panels flight software star trackers optical systems separation systems radios and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft payloads and components for missions to the Moon and Mars working with partners including NASA the Space Development Agency and the U.S. Space Force. Whether its a single high-performance spacecraft constellation or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

PRODUCTION ENGINEER II

Based out of Rocket Labssite in Albuquerque NM as part of the SolAero Technologies acquisitionthe Production Engineer IIis responsible fordeveloping andmaintainingprocesses for buildingadvanced solar panels for space applications and ensuring theywontfail on orbit. You will support thePanel Engineering ManagerandtheProductionorganizationwith deliverablesfor internal leadership board of directors and investors.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Function as the technical champion of our manufacturing processes solving problems in real-time with the Operators and Technicians building spaceflight hardware
• Be the liaison between the technical/process parts of the business and the operations/execution arm on the production floor
• Proactively remove hurdles from those executing manufacturing processes andmaintainan environment where manufacturing operators and technicians can excel.
• Develop apracticalunderstanding of the design construction manufacturingmethodsand operating principles of series interconnected multi-junction solar cells.
• Develop apracticalunderstanding ofthe effects thatexternal variables such as temperaturestrain conditions and the effects of a space environment can have on the materials used in the manufacture of solar panels.
• Develop a detailed understanding ofparallel gap resistance welding mechanical fixturing for high throughput assembly and additive manufacturing techniques.
• Develop a practical working knowledge ofthedispense and cure of space grade polymeric adhesives the methods by which they can be mixed degassed and applied. An understanding should be built about the methods by which these materials cure and the factors that drive the effectiveness and rate of that cure.
• Develop a working knowledge of the electrical circuits used in solar panels and the design constraintsthereof
• Combine the understanding described above tosupportcurrentmanufacturingcapability and work tomonitor/improve/expandthe existing processes by working with area engineers
• Use your background with PLCs and process automation to support an automated assembly line
• Use analysis tools such as Excel JMP and presentation tools such as Word and PowerPoint to develop and present results of experiments that you may help execute to internal groups
• Use your experience writing technical documents to help develop a set of standard work instructions for new automated manufacturing processes
• Effectively trainoperatorson the proper use of equipment and support their work with proper guidanceexpertiseand the daily support that these folks need to be successful.
• Develop collaborative working relationships withoperatorstechniciansengineers and managers.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• ABachelorsdegree ina related technical field or sufficient equivalent experience.
• 2 years related experience supporting a manufacturing line in a technical role
• Attention to detail andpreviousdemonstrated experience with writing technical instruction documents

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 5 years related experience supporting a manufacturing line in a technical role
• Experience working with PLC based systemsor automated manufacturing tools
• Experience designing tooling and mechanical solutions to support a manufacturing line or process
• Experience with any programming or scripting is a plus as is SQL experience
• Experience using Statistical Process Control (SPC) tounderstand whether a process is performing as intended
• Experience with parallel gap resistance welding polymeric adhesives wiring or mechanical fixturing processes

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.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats not an easy task. It takes hard work determination relentless innovation teamwork grit and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each others backs checking our egos at the door and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure work to tight deadlines and our focus is always on how we can deliver rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder) or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia Japan New Zealand Switzerland the European Union or a country that is part of NATO or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations click here ITAR Regulations.