Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program. If you're interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with clean sheet development of a reusable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

LEAD COMPONENT MANUFACTURING & TEST ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Lead Component Manufacturing and Test Engineer is responsible for bringing fluid component designs into the real world and assuring they meet the stringent requirements needed for the Electron and Neutron programs. You will support the Director of Manufacturing Engineering and Production organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Create and commission innovative test systems that incorporate mechanical, fluid, and electrical components. These systems will be used to evaluate product performance and reliability
Oversee introduction and implementation of new products and product revisions
Own assembly, checkouts and development testing of components
Provide mentorship and training to team members
When required, lead problem containment and root cause/corrective action investigations
Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances
Collaborate with the quality team to identify and drive quality-related initiatives and improvements
Perform structured root cause analysis of in-process failures
Identify, plan and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet production requirements, including preparation of business cases

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A LEAD COMPONENT MANUFACTURING & TEST ENGINEER:

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or other technical field
5+ years experience troubleshooting valves, actuators, regulators or similar fluid components during assembly, functional checkouts or while undergoing development and qualification testing
Experience developing and building safe, high pressure, pneumatic, hydrostatic, and cryogenic test stands
Experience with instrumentation, controls, and data acquisition systems

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

4+ years' experience with aerospace component design, build & testing
Experience successfully leading a team through a challenging technical project or program
Previous history of planning, building, activating & operating component test stands for development, qualification and production acceptance testing
Extensive experience using fundamentals of fluid and structural mechanics to solve component issues in a fast-paced environment
Experience with LabVIEW, Python, C, C++, MATLAB

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, stock options, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits may also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$95,000—$155,000 USD

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 Biow 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 here ITAR Regulations.