Senior Panel Manufacturing Engineer I

Space Talent; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Senior Panel Manufacturing Engineer to lead the development of advanced solar panels for space applications. This role involves utilizing your expertise in manufacturing processes, technical decision-making, and team leadership to ensure the success of solar panel production. You will collaborate with a driven team, tackle challenging projects, and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in space technology. If you're passionate about making an impact and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in engineering roles supporting manufacturing lines.
• Strong understanding of solar panel manufacturing and welding techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain processes for building advanced solar panels.
• Support manufacturing capability and lead a team of engineers.

Skills

Technical Decision Making

Manufacturing Process Control

Technical Writing

Team Leadership

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Additive Manufacturing Techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

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.

SENIOR PANEL MANUFACTURING ENGINEER I

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, NM, the Senior Panel Manufacturing Engineer 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 Panel Engineering Manager and the Production organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Use your experience with the design, construction, manufacturing methods and operating principles of series interconnected multi-junction solar cell to make strong technical decisions.
• Use your detailed understanding of parallel gap resistance welding, mechanical fixturing for high throughput assembly, and additive manufacturing techniques to guide a team in building strong production process control systems.
• Combine the understanding described above to support current manufacturing capability and develop systems to monitor/improve/expand the existing processes by leading a small group of area engineers.
• Use analysis tools such as Excel, JMP and presentation tools such as Word and Powerpoint to develop and present results of experiments to internal groups.
• Use your experience writing technical documents to help develop a set of standard work instructions for new and existing processes.
• Ensure that the manufacturing floors are consistently getting the level of immediate technical support they require to be successful and Do the Impossible.
• Develop collaborative working relationships with operators, technicians, engineers, and managers.
• Grow the skills and capabilities of a strong team focused on supporting Manufacturing processes.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical or any relevant engineering field.
• 5+ years related experience supporting a manufacturing line in an engineering role.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 8+ years related experience supporting a manufacturing line in an engineering role.
• Attention to detail and previous demonstrated experience with writing technical instruction documents.
• Experience translating technical requirements into actionable specifications.
• 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) to understand whether a process is performing as intended.
• Experience with parallel gap resistance welding, polymeric adhesives, wiring, or mechanical fixturing processes.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

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.