Vehicle Integration Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab USA; Middle River (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top tier medical coverage

3 weeks paid vacation

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Employee stock purchase program

Free snacks and drinks onsite

Job summary

A leading space technology company in Middle River, Maryland is seeking a Vehicle Integration Engineer. Responsibilities include integration, testing, and ensuring the readiness of the Neutron launch vehicle. Candidates should have a Bachelor of Science in aerospace or mechanical engineering and experience in hardware building and testing. The position offers a competitive salary and numerous benefits including vacation, health insurance, and a 401(k) plan with company match.

Qualifications

• Degree in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering required.
• Knowledge of launch vehicle hardware and environments.
• Experience in creating assembly, test, and launch procedures.
• Ability to collaborate across mechanical, electrical, and fluid disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Design and build ground support tooling for vehicle integration.
• Execute integration procedures for Neutron Launch Vehicle.
• Collaborate with managers and technical teams on integration tasks.
• Develop maintenance and testing procedures for vehicle systems.

Skills

Hardware building and testing

Work instructions authoring

Interfacing with multidisciplinary systems

Education

Bachelor of Science in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering

Master of Science in related fields

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—with the goal of opening access to 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.

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.

VEHICLE INTEGRATION ENGINEER I / VEHICLE INTEGRATION ENGINEER II

The 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. The job scope includes developing processes, working in a team environment, identifying and designing 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.
  • 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 execution of 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.

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

• 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.

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.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Base Pay Range (MD Only): $80,000 — $130,000 USD

• Top tier medical HMO, PPO, and 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
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Employee stock purchase program
• Free snacks and drinks onsite

LEGAL STATEMENTS

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.