Vehicle Integration Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab; Middle River (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier medical

Company equity

Paid vacation & holidays

Retirement plan with 401(k) match

Job summary

Rocket Lab is hiring a Vehicle Integration Engineer I/II to lead integration, test, and launch activities for the Neutron launch vehicle. The role involves developing processes, building equipment, and ensuring successful assembly and checks across stages, with collaborative work across departments.

The position offers responsibilities from standard to advanced levels, with salary and benefits aligned to MD-specific ranges and ITAR compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering is required.
• Proven ability to author comprehensive work instructions and procedures for assembly, test, and launch.
• Experience interfacing with mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop con-ops and ground support tooling for Neutron vehicle integration.
• Develop and execute procedures for integration of flight hardware and ground support equipment.
• Support day-to-day execution of 1st and 2nd stage vehicle integration, propellant system, avionics, and AFTS.
• Design and develop tools and hardware to enable vehicle processing and testing.

Skills

Hardware integration knowledge

Work instructions prose

Multidisciplinary interface skills

Education

BS 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 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!

VEHICLE INTEGRATION ENGINEER I / VEHICLE INTEGRATION ENGINEER II

T he Neutron Vehicle Integration Engineer is responsible for integration, test and launch of the Neutron launch vehicle. This position will work closely with the Neutron Vehicle Integration Engineer and other key team members. Job scope will include developing processes, working in a team environment, identifying and design build of necessary equipment for receipt and final integration, and launch of the Neutron Launch Vehicle.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop con-ops, design and drive build of associated ground support tooling and processes for handling components and integrated stages of the Neutron Launch Vehicle.
• Develop and execute procedures for the integration of Neutron Launch Vehicle flight hardware and ground support equipment.
• Support Neutron Integration Manager in developing and enabling day-to-day execution of the 1st and 2nd stage vehicle integration, propellant system, avionics, and AFTS. Including:
  • Development and refinement of inspection, repair/retrofit, assembly and system test procedures based on lessons learned.
  • Development and design high-level vehicle maintenance architecture including build flow and test operations for maximum efficiency.
  • Development and execute vehicle system level checkouts for initial and flown launch vehicle and components.
  • Contribute, develop, and own work procedures and documentation of non-conformances into actionable items and system improvements.
  • Maintain integrated planning documents that are inclusive of Launch Vehicle configurations and work scope.
  • Design and develop tools and hardware to enable vehicle processing and ensure required testing abilities.
  • Develop, build, and maintain Neutron processing facilities.
  • Closely collaborate with management staff and peers from other departments and highly skilled technicians on daily routine
• Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining a focus towards common project goals.

(This position can be hired as a Vehicle Integration Engineer I or Vehicle Integration Engineer II)

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A VEHICLE INTEGRATION ENGINEER I

• Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering required.
• Knowledge of building and testing of hardware associated to a launch vehicle and its environments.
• Demonstrated proficiency in authoring comprehensive work instructions and procedures for assembly, test, and launch.
• Proven ability to interface with multidisciplinary functions of mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A VEHICLE INTEGRATION ENGINEER II

• Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering required.
• 2+ years of experience in building and testing of hardware associated to a launch vehicle and its environments.
• Demonstrated proficiency in authoring comprehensive work instructions and procedures for assembly, test, and launch.
• 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 utilizing comprehensive work instructions and test procedures.
• Experience working directly with launch vehicle and/or launch vehicle hardware and subsystems including, avionics, high pressure gas, structures, electrical, and mechanical.
• Experience working on build, test of complex assemblies at the system and sub-system level.
• Demonstrated experience of Project Management principles in previous job experience(s).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Sit at desk andoperatecomputer,keyboardand office equipment for extended periods
• Use hands with dexterity tooperatecontrols,toolsand technical equipment, as needed
• Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision
• Move between buildings, labs, and work areas, as needed
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure tonoise,dustand fumesin production areas.

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.

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)

$80,000 - $140,000 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.