Payload Integration Engineer II

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Paid parental leave

Generous healthcare coverage

3 weeks paid vacation

Discounted employee stock purchase program

Onsite gym and food services

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is seeking an experienced Payload Integration Engineer II to support the integration of payloads to the Electron launch vehicle. The role involves hands-on integration activities and close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Candidates should hold a relevant engineering degree, possess over 2 years of experience, and have an active US Government security clearance. This position is located in Long Beach, CA, with some travel to launch sites required.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of applicable experience in payload integration.
• Active US Government security clearance (Secret or TS/SCI).
• Ability to travel to launch sites and customer sites, including overseas.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on payload integration activities.
• Assist in on-site integration planning and meetings.
• Provide inputs for Launch Vehicle to Spacecraft Interface Control Documentation.

Skills

Launch vehicle or spacecraft integration experience

Systems engineering

Electrical/mechanical systems knowledge

Technical writing skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in an engineering or technical discipline

Job description

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 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.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost‑effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program. If you're interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re‑usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

PAYLOAD INTEGRATION ENGINEER II

Rocket Lab is seeking an experienced payload integration engineer with previous launch vehicle or spacecraft integration experience. This role will work under the direction of the Team Lead for Payload Integration. The candidate must have demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: spacecraft or launch vehicle integration, systems engineering, and/or electrical/mechanical systems.

This candidate will interface with spacecraft customer integration teams and direct and perform tasks associated with the physical payload integration to the Electron and HASTE launch vehicle. This role requires a candidate who works well with a multidisciplinary team and can hold their own when presented with technical challenges in front of both internal and external customers. The position is based in Long Beach, CA at Rocket Lab Headquarters, but requires frequent travel to customers and launch sites worldwide.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Performs hands‑on payload integration activities, including fit checks, dispenser, and launch vehicle integration
• Assists management in on‑site integration planning and performance of daily coordination meetings during launch site integration periods.
• Provides inputs for development and verification of Launch Vehicle to Spacecraft Interface Control Documentation (ICD)
• Ability to create and execute assembly integration and test instructions
• Provide customer support to answer questions with internal technical staff as required
• Remain in constant contact with engineering staff regarding mechanical and electrical design needs based on mission requirements for the spacecraft integration.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering or technical discipline and 2+ years of applicable experience
• Active US Government security clearance Secret or TS/SCI
• Previous launch vehicle or space hardware integration experience
• Demonstrated ability to understand technical constraints relative to payload integration
• Advanced presentation and technical writing skills
• Ability to travel to launch sites and customer sites including overseas (New Zealand and others)

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace degree preferred
• 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 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, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

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 (CA Only): $100,000 — $130,000 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.

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 [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.