ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.
INTEGRATED OPERATIONS ENGINEER
Integrated Operations is the Rocket Lab team responsible for Electron launch vehicle and Photon testing and operations starting with stack testing through pre-launch processing, launch, on-orbit operations, and mission disposal. Testing and operations may be conducted remotely or on-site at propulsion test facilities (MTC, PTC), the Auckland Mission Control Centre (MCC), LC-1 (Mahia), LC-2 (Wallops Island, VA), or other designated locations. Be at the forefront of testing, launching, and managing Electron launch vehicles.
The Engineer I is an intermediate role in Integrated Operations. The Engineer I will have a working understanding of various disciplines related to testing and operations. The Engineer I will be skilled in one or more operational roles and function independently in these roles during the conduct of testing and operations. The Engineer I will actively contribute to Integrated Operations projects and process/tool development efforts, including accountability for key elements of these efforts.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare for and conduct testing, pre-launch operations, and launch operations.
- Define test and operations requirements.
- Develop, coordinate, and execute plans and procedures to efficiently, effectively, and safely conduct testing, operations, and flight.
- Conduct test and operations on-console (while maintaining situational awareness and real-time communications throughout test and operations activities).
- Troubleshoot and resolve test and operations issues in real-time.
- Perform failure investigations and root cause analyses sufficient to prevent recurrence of issues.
- Perform post-test and post-flight data review and analyses.
- Continually improve and streamline integration, testing, and operations.
- Domestic and international travel will be required.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
- 2-5+ years of experience in engineering design, test, and/or operations.
- Experience and/or expertise with mechanical systems including one of more of structures, mechanisms, propulsion, pressurization, hydraulics, pneumatics, HVAC, instrumentation, or command & control systems.
- Able to maintain situational awareness and real-time communications throughout complex operations.
- Careful work ethic with an eye for detail.
- Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.
- Self-driven, motivated, and contagiously positive.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- 2-5+ years of experience in engineering design, test and/or operations.
- Coding/Programming experience.
- Demonstrated experience working in safety/mission-critical, high-stress environments.
- Experience working with launch vehicles or spacecraft including integration, testing, launch, and/or on-console mission operations.
If this sounds like you, Apply today!
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.
Skills Required
- Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent
- 2-5+ years of experience in engineering design, test, and/or operations
- Experience or expertise with mechanical systems, including structures, mechanisms, propulsion, pressurization, hydraulics, pneumatics, HVAC, instrumentation, or command and control systems
- Ability to maintain situational awareness and real-time communications during complex operations
- Careful work ethic and attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
- Self-driven, motivated, and positive attitude
- 2-5+ years of experience in engineering design, test, and/or operations
- Coding or programming experience
- Experience in safety-critical or mission-critical, high-stress environments
- Experience with launch vehicles or spacecraft, including integration, testing, launch, or on-console mission operations
Rocket Lab Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Rocket Lab and has not been reviewed or approved by Rocket Lab.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as robust, with multiple HMO/PPO options and a 100% company‑sponsored HSA plan alongside dental and vision. Company materials and postings also note life and disability insurance and an overall strong medical offering for U.S. roles.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity participation is emphasized through RSUs and a discounted ESPP with a look‑back feature, positioned as a meaningful part of total rewards. Filings and benefits summaries highlight broad accessibility to ownership programs across many roles.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is outlined as a full suite that includes paid vacation, sick time, paid holidays, and paid parental leave. Some locations also feature supportive extras such as a childcare concierge and onsite amenities.
Rocket Lab Insights
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.
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