Jobs at Rocket Lab

Operate Electron and Neutron avionics during integrated testing, rehearsals, and launches. Execute test sequences, monitor real-time data, make go/no-go decisions, command avionics systems, support system integration, manage hardware configuration, develop procedures and test plans, improve operator HMIs, and troubleshoot issues during launch operations.

Design and develop lightweight spacecraft systems, mechanisms, and satellite configurations from concept through production, testing, and operation. Perform hand calculations and FEA, create CAD models and production drawings, lead design and test reviews, and maintain technical documentation. Coordinate schedules, vendors, budgets, and project deliverables while supporting proposals and mission concepts. The role involves hands-on work with flight hardware and requires eligibility for a DoD security clearance.

Leads engineering teams responsible for launch pad ground systems, fluid systems, infrastructure, testing, and mission operations for Electron and Neutron vehicles. Operates launch pad systems from Mission Control, develops procedures and training, conducts readiness reviews and rehearsals, troubleshoots live anomalies, performs data analysis, and leads root-cause and corrective-action programs. The role also serves as the technical authority for ground systems and drives operational improvements for increasing launch cadence.

Supports the design, fabrication, and implementation of tooling, fixtures, and custom lift equipment for prototype and production spacecraft systems. Works with mentors and cross-functional engineering teams to solve practical challenges, develop technical skills, and support mechanical structure assembly, manufacturing, testing, and transportation equipment. The internship is full-time and on-site for at least 12 consecutive weeks beginning May or June 2027.

Administer and operate enterprise platform and operating system environments, including VMware, Kubernetes, Linux, and Windows. Lead infrastructure projects, upgrades, migrations, configuration management, software packaging, operating system deployment, and automation. Troubleshoot hardware and software issues, manage cloud infrastructure, mitigate implementation risks, and maintain secure, reliable systems across the enterprise. Occasional travel may be required.

Plans, coordinates, and delivers engineering changes for Electron’s avionics hardware from scoping through production introduction. Owns schedules, resources, quality outcomes, configuration control, EBOM/MBOM master data, drawing releases, and design-data accuracy. Supports engineering, production, and supply chain teams in resolving technical and schedule issues while improving configuration management processes. Communicates project status, risks, and decisions to stakeholders.

Manages multiple customer space missions from contract signing through payload integration and launch. Oversees technical, programmatic, and financial milestones; leads mission design and readiness reviews; manages payload and launch vehicle integration; develops interface control documentation; supports technical sales and business development; maintains customer relationships; represents the company at industry events; and mentors mission integrators. Frequent domestic and international travel is required, along with eligibility to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

Lead Rocket Lab’s government affairs strategy across Germany and Europe. Build relationships with senior government stakeholders, shape policy affecting space, defense, launch, and emerging technologies, support government-funded business development, and advise leadership on political, regulatory, defense, and procurement developments. Establish the European Government Operations function and represent the company in industry and public-sector forums.

Supports the Ground Support Equipment engineering team in designing, building, and implementing tooling, fixtures, and custom lifting equipment for Neutron prototype and production operations. The intern collaborates with mentors and cross-functional teams, applies engineering concepts to real-world challenges, develops technical skills, and contributes to development projects involving mechanical structures, CAD/CAM, structural analysis, and equipment assembly.

Manages and improves Rocket Lab’s global Siemens Teamcenter PLM environment and its CAD/CAM integrations. Responsibilities include Teamcenter architecture, server administration, upgrades, patches, deployments, workflows, ACLs, data models, customizations, user access, troubleshooting, testing, documentation, and training. The role partners with engineering, fabrication, IT developers, vendors, and administrators to optimize manufacturing processes and support space-vehicle production.

Analyze supply chain risks and opportunities using SQL, R, Power BI, and Python. Develop and deploy AI-driven tools, intelligent agents, bots, and machine learning models for forecasting, inventory, procurement, logistics, automation, and cost reduction. Collaborate cross-functionally on process optimization, document AI-enabled procedures, and train teams on new tools and reports.

Develop and test embedded flight software for spacecraft using RTOS or embedded Linux. Responsibilities include writing hardware drivers, unit testing, hardware-in-the-loop validation, requirements development, code reviews, design reviews, and supporting on-orbit and interplanetary flight operations. The role requires C and C++ expertise, embedded software experience, eligibility for security clearance, and U.S. citizenship.

Develop and test embedded flight software for spacecraft using RTOS or embedded Linux. Responsibilities include hardware driver development, unit testing, hardware-in-the-loop validation, requirements engineering, code reviews, design reviews, and supporting on-orbit and interplanetary flight operations.

Lead spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control development across the engineering lifecycle, including algorithm design, flight software, subsystem requirements, simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, integration, and on-orbit operations. Mentor GNC engineers, define fault responses, coordinate cross-functional teams, manage schedules and milestones, support design reviews, and engage aerospace customers across commercial and government programs.

Provides technical support and configuration for ADP payroll systems, including access controls, reporting, SQL analysis, API integrations, change management, and compliance documentation. Supports global payroll operations, audits, implementations, upgrades, vendor relationships, and integration troubleshooting across ADP, Workday, and other HCM platforms.

Leads spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control development across the engineering lifecycle, including algorithm design, flight software, subsystem requirements, modeling, simulation, integration, testing, fault response, and on-orbit operations. Mentors GNC engineers, coordinates cross-functional teams, manages schedules and milestones, supports design reviews, and interfaces with aerospace customers across commercial and government missions.

Designs, implements, operates, and continuously improves global corporate, launch, and space systems networks and firewalls. Leads infrastructure upgrades, maintenance, project planning, WAN/LAN standards, cybersecurity compliance, automation, high availability, disaster recovery, documentation, reporting, and support. Provides senior-level expertise for network infrastructure supporting Rocket Lab engineering and space operations across multiple U.S. sites.

Develop and analyze trajectories for launch vehicles and spacecraft, including orbital maneuvers, rendezvous, station-keeping, launch windows, and collision avoidance. Support mission design, flight software and GNC validation, trajectory data delivery, real-time mission operations, anomaly response, post-launch analysis, and flight dynamics simulation infrastructure development.

Develop, integrate, test, and operate mechanical and propulsion systems for Electron and Neutron launch vehicles. Lead static and integrated stage hot fire testing, oversee system configuration and checkout, troubleshoot real-time operational issues, create CONOPS and HMIs, author procedures, and mentor operators. The role requires engineering experience in mechanical or propulsion systems, with launch vehicle, cryogenic, fluid, pressurized, hazardous, or real-time operations experience preferred.

Operate Electron and Neutron launch vehicles from the control room during testing, rehearsals, and launches. Execute test sequences, monitor ground-systems data, make go/no-go decisions, command support systems, and troubleshoot real-time issues. Support launch-pad infrastructure, GSE, facility systems, commissioning, readiness checks, configuration management, operational procedures, test plans, HMIs, and emergency response protocols.