Senior Production Engineer, Space Solar Panels

Rocket Lab Corporation; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Albuquerque, NM is seeking a Senior Production Engineer I to develop and maintain manufacturing processes for space-grade solar panels, ensuring reliability on orbit. You will support the Panel Engineering Manager and the Production organization, delivering material for internal leadership, board, and investors.

You will champion process improvements on the production floor, work with operators and technicians, and apply knowledge of materials, welding, adhesives, and automated

Qualifications

• Attention to detail and strong writing of technical instructions.
• Experience documenting standard work and procedures.
• 1+ years working with manufacturing process improvements or similar.

Responsibilities

• Function as the technical champion of manufacturing processes on the production floor.
• Liaise between technical/process groups and operations/execution teams.
• Proactively remove hurdles so operators and technicians can excel.
• Develop understanding of solar cell mechanics and assembly methods.
• Understand effects of temperature, space environment, and materials used in solar panels.
• Gain knowledge of welding, fixturing, and additive manufacturing techniques.
• Apply knowledge of electrical circuits in solar panels and design constraints thereof.
• Collaborate with area engineers to monitor and improve processes.
• Support automated assembly lines using PLCs and automation tools.
• Create and maintain standard work instructions for new processes.
• Train operators on proper equipment use and provide daily support.
• Foster collaboration among operators, technicians, engineers, and managers.

Skills

Attention to detail

Technical instruction writing

PLC based systems

Process automation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field

Tools

SQL

SPC

Robotics

Job description

Rocket Lab in Albuquerque, NM is seeking a Senior Production Engineer I to develop and maintain manufacturing processes for space-grade solar panels, ensuring reliability on orbit. You will support the Panel Engineering Manager and the Production organization, delivering material for internal leadership, board, and investors.

You will champion process improvements on the production floor, work with operators and technicians, and apply knowledge of materials, welding, adhesives, and automated