ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
SPACE SYSTEMS
At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.
Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions
PANEL PROGRAM ENGINEER II/SENIOR
Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Panel Program Engineer II/Senior provides technical support and coordination to achieve Solar Panel and Solar Array program objectives, ensure requirements are met, and implement system concepts throughout the project plan's execution. This position acts as the primary liaison between program engineering leadership, the program management team, and internal technical experts to define an executable project that meets program needs. The role also includes preparing presentations and diagrams related to technical requests or problem analysis and coordinating recommended solutions with the program leadership team and other stakeholders.
(Please note: this position can be hired at the Panel Program Engineer II or Senior Panel Program Engineer I)
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Act as the technical lead and primary technical customer point of contact for solar array programs
- Lead a broad, cross-functional team of individuals from R&D, analysis, operations, design, and manufacturing
- Own and review program technical content across a broad array of engineering disciplines
- Serve as the primary point of contact with customers for all technical aspects of assigned solar array programs
- Collaborate with program managers to execute program milestones
- Review all program-related engineering documents and ensure all technical requirements are met
- Support proposal compliance reviews and provide consultation on technical input
- Prepare engineering documentation for both internal and external customers
- Support product configuration management tasks, such as reviewing and/or releasing program specifications, travelers, and test procedures
- Interface with the production team and manufacturing engineers as needed to resolve program-related manufacturing issues
- Support the material review board and assist in closing all engineering-related action items
- Manage program-related Engineering Change Requests
- Support production simulations and test data reviews
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN PANEL PROGRAM ENGINEER II:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, material science, applied physics
- 2+ years of industry experience (aerospace or other) in an engineering role
- Knowledge of the Systems Engineering design process
- Proficient in all MS Office applications
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal to create clear and succinct technical documentation using technical writing fundamentals.
- Demonstrated leadership capability
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN SENIOR PANEL PROGRAM ENGINEER I:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, material science, applied physics
- 5+ years of industry experience (aerospace or other) in an engineering role
- Knowledge of the Systems Engineering design process
- Proficient in all MS Office applications
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal to create clear and succinct technical documentation using technical writing fundamentals
- Demonstrated leadership capability
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience using Siemens NX; AutoCAD (DWG viewer); or SolidWorks 2012 (e-drawings) or newer version
- Experience with power systems design for spacecraft and spacecraft environments
- Experience in space-related manufacturing
- Leadership experience in a project engineering role
- Experience in a customer facing technical role
- Able to quickly absorb, process, and apply information outside of one’s core competencies
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
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
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, material science, or applied physics
- 2+ years industry experience in an engineering role (Panel Program Engineer II)
- 5+ years industry experience in an engineering role (Senior Panel Program Engineer)
- Knowledge of the Systems Engineering design process
- Proficient in all MS Office applications
- Excellent written and verbal communication and technical writing skills
- Demonstrated leadership capability
- Must meet ITAR eligibility (U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, refugee/asylee, or eligible to obtain required authorizations)
- Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard and office equipment for extended periods; use hands with dexterity; read technical documents and drawings; move between buildings and work areas
- Experience using Siemens NX
- Experience using AutoCAD (DWG viewer)
- Experience using SolidWorks 2012 or newer (eDrawings)
- Experience with power systems design for spacecraft and spacecraft environments
- Experience in space-related manufacturing
- Leadership experience in a project engineering role
- Experience in a customer-facing technical role
- Ability to quickly absorb, process, and apply information outside one's core competencies
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 — Medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options are offered, including a company‑sponsored HSA plan option and supportive ancillary benefits. These elements portray comprehensive healthcare support for U.S. roles.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An employee stock purchase program with discounted share access and a look‑back feature, alongside eligibility for equity, is presented as a strong component of total rewards. This structure can meaningfully augment cash pay for those who value long‑term upside.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and paid parental leave are included. These provisions indicate a complete time‑off offering for a midsize aerospace employer.
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.
