Lead, Vehicle Integration Engineer

Rocket Lab Corp.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 116,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Robust benefits package

401(k) retirement plan with company +

Paid vacation & holidays

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Lead Vehicle Integration Engineer to deliver integrated vehicle modules at Wallops Island. You will lead a team of engineers and technicians, plan integration activities, and coordinate with GSE/GST to ensure tooling readiness and testing execution.

The role requires a BS in aerospace/mechanical/manufacturing engineering, 5+ years building and testing launch hardware, and demonstrated capability to manage complex projects across mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems.

Qualifications

• BS in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering.
• 5+ years building and testing hardware for launch vehicles or spacecraft.
• Proven ability to plan and execute a complex engineering project.
• Proven ability to interface with multidisciplinary mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop plans for assembly and integration of vehicle components and systems.
• Oversee scheduling of work cell activities to align with milestones.
• Coordinate with GSE and GST to ensure tooling and fixtures are ready.
• Manage resources across vehicle modules to align with milestones.
• Mentor and develop team members and lead by example.
• Provide technical guidance on work instructions and training curriculum.
• Develop work cell layouts for efficient flow.
• Plan and execute integrated system testing for sub-assemblies and modules.
• Contribute to internal quality and change management documentation.

Skills

Team leadership

Project planning

Hardware testing

Multidisciplinary interface

Aerospace engineering

Education

B.S. in Aerospace/Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Job description

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.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a cost-effective and highly reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with Electron and Space Systems programs.

LEAD,VEHICLE INTEGRATION ENGINEER

The Lead Vehicle Integration Engineer is responsible for delivering integrated vehicle modules to the vehicle integration facility and launch pad at Wallops Island. This position will lead a team of vehicle integration engineers and work with a team of technicians to plan, execute, and record integration activities in addition to performing integrated systems testing.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop plans for assembly and integration of vehicle components and systems including fluid systems, avionics, structures and mechanisms, thermal protection, and flight termination.
• Oversee and maintain scheduling of work cell activities on a weekly timescale and ensure alignment with high level programmatic milestones
• Coordinate with supporting teams such as GSE (Ground Systems Engineering) and GST (General Support Technicians) to ensure tooling, fixturing, lift equipment, and work platforms are ready and available for integration and test activities.
• Manage resources across different vehicle modules to best align with program milestones. Coordinate with other leads such as Development, Manufacturing Engineering, and Ground Systems Engineering to manage resources across the program.
• Mentor and develop team members to exemplify Rocket Lab’s core values while leading by example
• Provide technical guidance on developing work instructions, best technical practices, and contribute to developing curriculum for internal training programs
• Develop work cell layouts to ensure efficient flow of materials, best use of floor space, and appropriate communication between engineers and technicians
• Plan and execute integrated system testing for sub-assemblies and module level integrated systems.
• Contribute, develop, and own documentation to support internal quality systems and change management systems

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering required
• 5+ years of experience in building and testing hardware associated with launch vehicles or spacecraft
• Demonstrated proficiency in planning and executing a complex engineering project or program
• Proven ability to interface with multidisciplinary functions of mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master of Science degree in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing or equivalent
• Experience and demonstrated proficiency in developing and implementing comprehensive work instructions and test procedures
• Experience identifying, documenting, and resolving non-conformances, implementing engineering changes, and managing complex configurations
• Experience working directly with launch vehicle and/or launch vehicle hardware and subsystems including, avionics, high pressure gas, structures, electrical, and mechanical
• Demonstrated experience of Project Management principles in previous job experience(s)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate 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

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, and free snacks/drinks onsite.

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.

Base Pay Range (MD Only)

$116,000 — $146,000 USD

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.

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 [e-mail]. This 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.