SENIOR R&D ENGINEER IBased out of Rocket Lab's new site in Albuquerque, NM as part of the SolAero Technologies acquisition, the Senior R&D Engineer will support the development of advanced space and terrestrial solar cell products. This engineer will work in an R&D environment and lead space qualification, confidence, and reliability testing work critical to the introduction of new technologies, materials, and processes.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: - Develop both a theoretical and practical working knowledge of environmental tests related to qualification and reliability testing of multi-junction solar cells for space and terrestrial applications, including the governing standards and specifications used in the industry.
- Design and utilize electrical circuitry and hardware to enable environmental testing of multiple solar cell devices simultaneously.
- Gain expertise in the entire suite of test equipment used to characterize and rate the performance of multi-junction solar cells, including:
- Quantum Efficiency
- Pulsed and Continuous Illuminated Current-Voltage
- Dark Current-Voltage
- Transfer Length Measurement
- Electroluminescence
- Reflectance, Absorptance, Emissivity
- Mechanical bend/breakage
- Capacitance, and more
- Develop a detailed understanding of the design, construction, manufacturing methods, and operating principles of series interconnected multi-junction solar cells, and how changes to these may affect performance or reliability in various operating environments (LEO/GEO orbits, interplanetary, terrestrial, etc.).
- Analyze how environmental factors such as temperature, illumination intensity and uniformity, spectral characteristics, particle and UV radiation, atomic oxygen exposure, thermal cycling, thermal shock, humidity, ESD, mechanical shock/vibration, etc., influence the operation and performance of multi-junction solar cells and integrated products.
- Develop a detailed understanding of semiconductor bandgaps and their influence on light absorption, emission, photogenerated current, and voltage production in solar cells.
- Identify key parameters from IV curves (short circuit current, open circuit voltage, fill factor, shunt resistance, series resistance, ideality factor) and understand the phenomena responsible for variability in these parameters.
- Investigate solar cell device failure mechanisms to root cause using the combined understanding of device physics, testing, and environmental effects.
- Accurately define problems or needs, identify the correct measurement methods, efficiently use measurement tools, and perform meaningful, high-value data analysis.
- Plan, manage, and execute qualification, confidence, and reliability testing campaigns for new solar cell technologies.
- Analyze and interpret test data using tools such as Excel and JMP, and confidently present thoughtful and correct analysis to team members.
- Collaborate with R&D and manufacturing engineers to plan and execute required testing activities.
- Work with outside vendors to develop required tools and equipment for testing activities.
- Report results both internally and externally through presentations and formal reports utilizing tools such as PowerPoint and Office.
- Develop strong working relationships across the organization.
- Gain a detailed understanding of the customer base and design/operation requirements for space and terrestrial solar cells.
- Develop the tools and experience needed to take ownership of projects and provide technical leadership for the organization.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related STEM field.
- 5+ years of experience in R&D
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:- Master's or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
- Experience with semiconductor product qualification and reliability testing
- Experience in solar cell device/product development.
- Experience with solar cell device design/theory.
- Experience in a production-oriented manufacturing facility.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
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.
