Senior R&D Process Engineer

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. 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.

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're 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 team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives.

We have 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.

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Senior R&D Process Engineer will work in an R&D environment to develop new processes and improve existing capabilities for the manufacture of cutting‑edge III‑V solar cell products. You will support the Process Engineering Manager with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

• Lead/contribute to semiconductor fabrication process development projects to advance new products from concept phase through manufacturing phase
• Develop a detailed understanding of the design, construction, manufacturing methods, and operating principles of series interconnected multi‑junction solar cells and their operation in the space environment
• Develop an understanding of the relationship between fabrication process and device performance, cost, reliability, and manufacturability (examples include mask design, photolithography, wet etch, metal deposition, wafer thinning)
• Write process recipes, work instructions with process and engineering controls, and develop an understanding of fabrication tool functionality. Help troubleshoot tool issues and process‑related device issues including hands‑on work in a clean‑room
• Contribute technical innovation to improve product value and increase market share, including new device designs, manufacturing methods, and manufacturing cost reduction and analysis
• Develop sufficient expertise with available modeling, growth, fabrication, test, and design tools to recommend better methods, improved designs and upgrade opportunities
• Assume ownership and accountability for successful completion of research projects and customer programs
• Interact with outside vendors to procure tools and equipment for fabrication of devices
• Report results both internally and externally with presentations and formal reports
• Develop strong working relationships across the organization. Train and work closely with technicians and operators
• Develop understanding of the customer base and design requirements for space solar cells and other products
• Use analysis tools such as Excel, JMP and presentation tools such as Word and PowerPoint to develop thoughtful and correct analyses and conclusions of projects, and present those conclusions to others in a convincing and confident manner

• Bachelor's in materials science, electrical engineering, physics, or other engineering field
• 5+ years of experience working with semiconductors
• Experience with common III‑V (Arsenide & Phosphide) semiconductor fabrication techniques
• Experience with fabrication process development and familiarity with semiconductor device manufacturing methods

• Experience in manufacturing and aerospace preferred
• Experience with growth or testing of optoelectronic devices
• Experience with solar cell device design/theory
• Experience in a production‑oriented manufacturing facility

• Specif…