Senior R&D Process Engineer I

Rocket Lab USA•Albuquerque, NM

29d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Bachelors 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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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
Some 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