ABOUT ROCKET LAB
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 Rocket Lab’s medium-lift, highly reusable launch vehicle designed to deliver the mega constellations of tomorrow, high-assurance payloads, and support human spaceflight. Leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven success with the Electron program, Neutron offers a cost-effective and reliable launch solution. If you’re ready to join a high-performing team and push the boundaries of reusable launch vehicle development, this is your opportunity!
SYSTEMS CERTIFICATION ENGINEER II
As a Systems Certification Engineer II, you will lead the planning, implementation, and execution of certification activities for the Neutron launch vehicle. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary engineering team to meet customer requirements and ensure compliance for NASA crewed missions and other U.S. Government agencies.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Analyze government and commercial customer requirements for compatibility with Rocket Lab Neutron processes and products.
- Lead the verification and validation process for government certification and launch vehicle interface requirements, including assembling verification data packages.
- Define the scope of technical certification efforts to support the Neutron integrated schedule.
- Engage with NASA and other U.S. Government customers, leading internal coordination on process or design issues.
- Collaborate with Neutron technical departments and prepare data packages and briefings for Government representatives on Neutron design, analysis, and testing topics.
- Organize and support internal and external program reviews and technical interchange meetings.
- Ensure product deliveries are on schedule by working with technical departments and discipline certification leads to track data product deliveries, action items, and data requests.
- Collaborate with and support government on-site representatives.
QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A SYSTEMS CERTIFICATION ENGINEER II
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- 2+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry.
- Technical background in one or more of the following areas: Avionics, Flight Software, GN&C, Propulsion, Structures/Statics, Thermal environments, Dynamic environments, Loads, and/or Mechanical/Fluid Systems.
- Technical project management experience.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience interacting with and presenting to external customers, preferably U.S. Government.
- Highly detail-oriented, diligent, and hard-working with excellent customer interface skills.
- Technical knowledge of launch vehicle design, analysis, and testing.
- Knowledge of U.S. Government launch vehicle requirements and certification process.
- Familiarity with U.S. Government testing standards and specifications (AIAA-S-080, AIAA-S-081, AIAA-S-110, SMC-S-005, SMC-S-016, SMC-S-025).
- Experience in verification and validation of requirements.
- Experience working with and/or managing cross-functional teams.
- Proficiency with requirement management tools such as JAMA or DOORS.
- Administrator experience with ticketing, knowledge management and scheduling tools such as Redmine, Confluence, JIRA, Windchill, Smartsheet, SharePoint.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
- Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate a 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.
- Willingness to travel up to 25% to other launch sites, vendors, and customers.
- Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.
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 [email protected] 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.
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What We Do
Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, spacecraft components, satellites and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space.
Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle and the Photon satellite platform and is developing the Neutron 8-ton payload class launch vehicle. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 100+ satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus.
Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a second launch site in Virginia, USA which is expected to become operational in late 2022.
To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.
