About this job

At Rocket Lab, we believe the future will be defined and enabled by access to space. As a world leader in launch and space systems, we’re making that future a reality and enabling the ideas of tomorrow to reach orbit today. We’re unlocking the potential of space and ushering in a new era of opportunity and exploration for the benefit of humankind.

This is a rare opportunity within Rocket Lab to play a pivotal role in supporting NASA in its mission to land the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024. Our Electron launch vehicle and Photon satellite bus have been selected by NASA to launch a pathfinding mission to lunar orbit in 2021. The historic mission will lay the groundwork for the Lunar Gateway, paving the way for future human missions to the Moon and further exploration of our solar system. The Moon is just the beginning, so now is your chance to play a key role in shaping our long-term exploration plans.

Your team-mates and mentors are the people who designed and built Rocket Lab’s world-first launch and space systems from the ground up. You’ll have the opportunity to grow your career in a fast-paced, innovative environment, while working alongside dedicated colleagues who support each other every step of the way.

Responsibilities

Rocket Lab’s Photon satellite bus team is seeking a Solar Array Engineer to lead in the development of solar arrays for a broad expanse of missions. Requiring elements of team leadership and program management, you will also drive the design, assembly (e.g. cell laydown, tab welding), and testing for Rocket Lab’s solar array program. Working closely with engineers and technicians across varying hardware and system disciplines, you will also work directly with suppliers in the solar array ecosystem.

Duties & responsibilities

• Design solar panels with an emphasis on the photovoltaic elements of solar panel assemblies.
• Lead the development of photovoltaic assembly methods.
• Develop and execute both functional and environmental test plans.
• Lead qualification and acceptance test campaigns.

Profile

Required experience & education

• 4-year engineering degree or equivalent years of experience.
• 5+ years of work experience in applicable fields.
• Direct previous experience with solar array assembly.
• Direct previous experience with solar array design.
• Direct previous experience with solar array testing.
• Document management & systems engineering experience.
• Experience working with subcontractors and vendors.
• Demonstrated success working in a dynamic environment with multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated success meeting aggressive development schedules.

Desired skills & experience

• Experience with a variety of types of solar cells.
• Direct satellite experience.
• Experience with wholistic space power systems design.
• Knowledge of the space environment and its impacts on system performance.

Important information

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.