Integration & Test Engineer

Rocket Lab; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

A groundbreaking Series B space startup, Rocket Lab, is seeking an Integration & Test Engineer to oversee critical operations for high-powered spacecraft. You'll ensure all spacecraft activities are efficiently managed, define test plans, and collaborate cross-functionally, while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package including unlimited PTO and equity options. This role offers an exciting opportunity in the rapidly advancing field of space development.

Benefits

Unlimited paid time off

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

Equity in the company

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in integration/test/automation engineering roles.
• Experience testing and troubleshooting spacecraft systems.
• Hands-on experience with electrical test equipment.

Responsibilities

• Define test plans with pass/fail criteria for vehicle checkouts.
• Develop test procedures for spacecraft hardware.
• Operate spacecraft during system tests and troubleshoot issues.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Conflict resolution

Negotiation

Environmental testing

Spacecraft operations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical, computer, or other engineering discipline

Tools

Electrical test equipment (e.g., PSU, Oscilloscope, DMM)

HITL or Flatsat software verification testbeds

Job description

K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next generation of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and many others ($180M raised to date), we intend to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms ever built for missions across LEO to Deep Space.

The rise of launch vehicles like Falcon 9 and Starship enables the move from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance. We believe this new era requires spacecraft with a fundamentally different design in order to fully utilize the massive rockets coming to market.

We’re a team that believes the future lies in building large, high-powered satellites that can handle multiple orbits. This is a necessity if we ever want to develop the solar system, and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization.

If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series B space startup, we’d love for you to apply.

The Role

As an Integration & Test Engineer, you’ll be the last line of defense for all operations when the satellite is powered. Acting as a satellite controller, you’ll be in the driver’s seat of the satellite; all satellite activities go through you. Using a first principles approach, you’ll be responsible for defining test plans that simulate all modes of flight, dictating what the vehicle needs to do, when, why, and how often. Your work will span most technical disciplines at the company and will require you to build consensus from multiple teams. Initial ground and on-orbit operations will be more manual but quickly grow into fully automated activities. As you build your knowledge of the vehicle through manual procedures and vehicle control, you’ll be positioned to take the next step with the Vehicle Operations team towards a fully automated future.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with design and systems engineers to define test plans with pass/fail criteria for vehicle checkouts

• Develop test procedures used to confirm spacecraft hardware and software flightworthiness

• Operate spacecraft (interpret telemetry, send commands) during system tests at the factory, test facilities, launch sites, and during pre-launch operations

• Investigate and troubleshoot vehicle issues and drive further actions to reduce future failures

• Understand general vehicle operations and become expert for at least 1 subsystem on the vehicle

• Regularly lead and organize vehicle operations activities for the integration campaign

• Act as a test conductor (and POC, if offsite) for environmental test campaigns

• Own and maintain HITL table configuration and build out, including the racks

• Create and release harness drawings for required ground support equipment

• Support pre-launch activities at the launch provider’s payload processing facility

• Support Mission Operations by acting as a satellite controller while vehicle is on-orbit

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical, computer, or other engineering discipline

• 2+ years of experience in an integration/test/automation engineering role (includes internships and design/build/compete extracurricular projects)

• Experience testing and troubleshooting spacecraft and their related components and systems, including subsystem checkouts and system acceptance testing

• Experience with environmental testing, such as thermal vacuum or random vibration

• Experience working in a clean room and with ESD-sensitive equipment

• Hands-on experience using electrical test equipment (PSU, Oscilloscope, DMM, etc.)

• Hands-on experience with HITL or Flatsat software verification testbeds

• Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation skills

Nice to Have

• Proficient in Python and/or Rust

• Experience with Linux systems

• Experience managing contractual interfaces (e.g. customer, launch vehicle)

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $135,000 + equity in the company

• Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level

• Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Export Compliance

As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.”

The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.

Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.