Payload Integration Engineer II

Rocket Lab USA Inc.; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company equity

Top-tier medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan with company match

On-site gym

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA Inc. is looking for an experienced Payload Integration Engineer II to work in Long Beach, CA. The role involves hands-on integration with launch vehicles and spacecraft, requiring a Bachelor's degree and U.S. Government security clearance.

Responsibilities include managing integration activities, coordinating with engineering teams, and ensuring compliance with technical documentation. The position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for travel.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of applicable experience required.
• Active U.S. Government security clearance: Secret or TS/SCI.
• Previous launch vehicle or space hardware integration experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform payload integration activities including fit checks and dispenser handling.
• Assist with on-site integration planning and conduct coordination meetings.
• Contribute to development and verification of interface control documentation.

Skills

Integration experience with launch vehicles

Advanced presentation skills

Technical writing skills

Ability to travel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technical discipline

Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace degree

Job description

Payload Integration Engineer II

We are seeking an experienced payload integration engineer to work under the direction of the Payload Integration Team Lead. The role requires integration experience with launch vehicles and spacecraft, and involves hands‑on tasks at Electron and HASTE launch vehicles. The position is based in Long Beach, CA, with frequent travel to customers and launch sites worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform hands‑on payload integration activities, including fit checks, dispenser handling, and launch vehicle integration.
• Assist management with on‑site integration planning and conduct daily coordination meetings during launch site integration periods.
• Contribute to the development and verification of Launch Vehicle to Spacecraft Interface Control Documentation (ICD).
• Create and execute assembly integration and test instructions.
• Provide customer support to answer questions with internal technical staff as needed.
• Maintain constant communication with engineering staff regarding mechanical and electrical design needs based on mission requirements for spacecraft integration.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or technical discipline and 2+ years of applicable experience.
• Active U.S. Government security clearance: Secret or TS/SCI.
• Previous launch vehicle or space hardware integration experience.
• Demonstrated ability to understand technical constraints related to payload integration.
• Advanced presentation and technical writing skills.
• Ability to travel to launch sites and customer sites, including overseas (New Zealand and other destinations).

Preferred Qualifications

• Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace degree.
• Solid interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Experience with CubeSats, SmallSats, or other small space payloads.
• Ability to read mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Ability to perform electrical and mechanical testing.

Additional Physical Requirements

• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus ability.
• 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.

Compensation

Base salary range (CA only): $100,000 — $130,000 USD.

Benefits

Employees may receive company equity and a robust benefits package including top‑tier medical HMO, PPO and a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation, 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

International Eligibility

For candidates seeking to work in United States offices only: In order to comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or be 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.

For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices only: Background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made. Nationality checks are required as this position requires access to equipment and data regulated by U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Eligible citizens include those of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO member country, or who hold eligible dual citizenship or nationality.