Senior Production Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab USA
United States, New Mexico, Albuquerque
10420 Research Road Southeast (Show on map)
Aug 14, 2025
ABOUT ROCKET LAB 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. Our Electron rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. SPACE SYSTEMS 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 Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has 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. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions SENIOR PRODUCTION ENGINEER I/II As a Senior Production Engineer based at Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you will be responsible for yield, process improvements, and day to day sustaining work in the III-V semiconductor solar cell production processes. In this role you will lead yield related projects. Some examples are large scale excursions, deviation reports, tool malfunctions, chemical mis pours, lithography mask related issues, breakdowns in quality controls etc. You will be required to have a deep understanding in multiple work centers throughout the cell fab which include but are not limited to, photolithography, wet and DRIE etch, metal evaporation, wafer grind, wafer dice, tape mounting and demounting systems and the associated inspections and metrology. This role is also responsible for leading technology transfers of new products and processes from R&D to production manufacturing. To be successful in this role, you must be data driven, able to build solid relationships through all levels in the organization (operations, R&D, finance, and upper management) and possess a high degree of ownership. 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: Own process modules by responding to defect issues, writing clear work instructions, training, and yield reporting daily Supporting sustaining activities to maximize yield and productivity of fab operation Respond to excursions and line-down scenarios over a 24/7 work period Working with operations to maximize project completion and achieve program specific yield targets Plan and perform experiments to improve safety/throughput/yield/reliability and assist R&D when new products or experiments are needed Scoping new equipment and process approaches for new products and manufacturing expansions (Please note: this role can be hired at the Senior Production Engineer I or Senior Production Engineer II level) YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR PRODUCTION ENGINEER I: Bachelor's degree in a engineering field 5+ years of related industrial/manufacturing experience YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR PRODUCTION ENGINEER II: Bachelor's degree in a engineering field 8+ years of related industrial/manufacturing experience THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Experience with any or all of the before mentioned semiconductor processing modules Cleanroom protocols and safety Solid understanding of statistical methods and working knowledge of JMP Hands-on experience with thin film metrology tools Understanding of III-V solar cell device physics and testing methods Solid understanding of II-V semiconductor materials science Understanding of 6in thinned wafer handling 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. Important information: FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days. FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY: For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click hereITAR Regulations.