Production Technician II/III

Space Talent; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company at the forefront of space technology is seeking a Production Technician to join their team in Albuquerque. This role involves developing and maintaining processes for advanced solar panels used in space applications, ensuring their reliability in orbit. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, experience in manufacturing support, and a passion for space exploration. Join a dynamic team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the aerospace industry, where your contributions will directly impact future missions and technologies. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering effort that shapes the future of space travel.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a technical role supporting manufacturing.
• Experience with PLC systems and automated manufacturing tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain processes for building advanced solar panels.
• Support manufacturing capability and improve existing processes.

Skills

Manufacturing Support

Technical Troubleshooting

Process Automation

Technical Documentation

PLC Systems

Statistical Process Control

Programming/Scripting

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Excel

JMP

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

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.

PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN II/III

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, NM, the Production Technician is responsible for developing and maintaining processes for building advanced solar panels for space applications and ensuring they won’t fail on orbit. You will support the CIC Engineering Manager and the Production organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

(Please note: This role can be hired at the Production Technician II or Production Technician III level)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop a practical understanding of the design, construction, manufacturing methods and operating principles of multi-junction solar cells.
• Develop a practical understanding of the space environment on solar cells and what methods we use to both protect the cells in operation and interconnect them with other cells in a functional circuit.
• Develop a detailed understanding of parallel gap resistance welding, mechanical fixturing for high throughput assembly, and robot alignment troubleshooting.
• Develop a practical working knowledge of the dispense 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 metered dispense systems and the wicking properties of viscous materials.
• Combine the understanding described above to support current manufacturing capability and work to monitor/improve/expand the existing processes by working with area engineers.
• Use your background with PLCs, process automation, and technical troubleshooting to support automated workcenters in an 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 train operators on the proper use of equipment, and support their work with proper guidance, expertise and help. Provide the daily support that these folks need to be successful.
• Develop collaborative working relationships with operators, technicians, engineers, equipment support team, and managers.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN II:

• 2+ years related experience supporting a manufacturing line in a technical role.
• High school diploma or GED.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN III:

• 5+ years related experience supporting a manufacturing line in a technical role.
• High school diploma or GED.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 8+ years related experience supporting a manufacturing line in a technical role.
• Attention to detail and previous demonstrated experience with writing technical instruction documents.
• Experience working with PLC based systems or automated manufacturing tools.
• Experience troubleshooting 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) to understand whether a process is performing as intended.
• Experience with parallel gap resistance welding, polymeric adhesives, wiring, or mechanical fixturing processes.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Standing for long periods of time, climbing up and down ladders, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position.
• Able to lift up to 25lbs. unassisted.
• Must be able to climb ladders and be comfortable working in tight spaces.
• Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
• Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods – 8 hours min.
• Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and be able to maneuver in tight spaces.

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. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s 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.