Senior Integration & Test Engineer I

Rocket Lab Corp.; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab's Space Systems team in Long Beach, CA seeks a Senior Integration & Test Engineer I to lead flight spacecraft system development, testing, and test-system upkeep. You will work with leadership, with board-level deliverables, and ensure robust verification of complex hardware.

Ideal candidates have strong hardware test experience, proficiency in C/C++/Python, and the ability to obtain security clearance, supporting cutting-edge missions and ITAR compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, electronics, mechatronics, aerospace, or other engineering.
• 5+ years in a test engineering or hands-on engineering role.
• Experience with environmental testing (thermal vacuum or random vibration).
• Proficiency with C, C++, Python, or MATLAB; Windows 10 and MS Office.
• Experience writing technical documentation (procedures, reports, requirements).
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead integration and test campaigns at various levels of spacecraft development.
• Define systems requirements and verification/validation plans in collaboration with team members.
• Develop acceptance, qualification, and R&D test plans for spacecraft systems.
• Develop, maintain, and operate environmental test systems (Vibe, TVAC, Thermal, EMI).
• Develop and maintain ground support equipment and facilities.
• Interface with ground test software and implement flight software configuration changes.
• Lead investigations into anomalous vehicle behavior.
• Interface with hardware-in-the-loop test systems.

Skills

C/C++

Python

MATLAB

Environmental testing

Technical documentation

Security clearance eligible

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

NX

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.

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.

Senior Integration & Test Engineer I

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, theSenior Integration & Test Engineer I is responsible for the development, test, and deployment of flight spacecraft systems, as well as the development, maintenance, and upgrading of the test systems for that hardware. You will support the Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Lead and own integration and test campaigns at various levels of spacecraft development
• Work collaboratively with team members to define systems requirements, as well as verification and validation plans
• Develop acceptance, qualification, and R&D test plans for spacecraft systems
• Develop, maintain, and operate environmental test systems (Vibe, TVAC, Thermal, EMI, etc.)
• Develop and maintain mechanical and electrical ground support equipment and facilities
• Interface with ground test software and implement flight software configuration changes
• Lead investigations into anomalous vehicle behavior
• Interface with hardware-in-the-loop test systems

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, electronics, mechatronics, aerospace, or other engineering degree
• 5+ years of experience in a test engineering or other hands-on engineering role
• Experience with environmental testing, such as thermal vacuum or random vibration testing
• Proficiency with C, C++, Python, or MATLAB; and Windows 10 and Microsoft Office products
• Experience in writing technical documentation, such as procedures, reports, and requirements
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master's or PhD in electrical, electronics, mechatronics, aerospace, or other engineering degree
• 4+ years of professional experience as a test engineer in the aerospace industry
• Strong understanding of satellite subsystems (CDH, ADCS, EPS, and COMM)
• Experience working in a clean room and with ESD-sensitive equipment
• Hands-on experience using electrical test equipment (PSU, Oscilloscope, DMM, etc.)
• Exposure to designing and implementing test systems for electronics
• Understanding of sensors, signal conditioning and data acquisition electronics
• Familiarity with spacecraft harness design and best practices
• Experience with 3D CAD software, preferably NX
• Experience with RF testing and hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Basic knowledge of networking
• Experience with Linux systems

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.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$129,075 - $185,275 USD

$108,800 - $149,600 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.