Junior Ground Systems Engineer - Instrumentation & Control Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, and expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
About Instrumentation & Control
The Terrestrial Software team, including Instrumentation & Control, designs, builds, and operates critical software and control systems that power ground infrastructure from launch pads, transporters, and erectors to test stands where engines are proven before flight. Every launch and engine test depends on the automated control and instrumentation systems your team delivers.
What You Will Do
- Maintain and extend control systems for launch vehicle transporters, erectors, launchers, and propulsion test stands
- Develop new software features under the guidance of the solution architect
- Support technicians on-site and remotely during installation, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting
- Execute test plans to validate system performance and vehicle interfaces
- Analyse post-flight and post-test data to understand system performance and drive improvements
- Collaborate with test and operations teams to qualify systems
- Work alongside other Rocket Lab software teams including Flight Software, Guidance and Control, Databases, Operational Software, and Analysis
- Develop and maintain interface control documentation between the launch vehicle and pad systems
- Create and maintain documentation covering software design, functional requirements, and architecture
- Support launch pad certification and maintenance program development
- Advise on instrumentation best practices and drive continuous product and process improvement
- Apply a risk-based approach to your work, always with a fallback solution in place
- Roll up your sleeves during project build phases. No task is beneath us.
What We Are Looking For
- A degree in mechatronics, software, or a related engineering discipline
- Ability to apply engineering concepts and theory to real-world, hands-on systems
- Interest in instrumentation, automation, and control systems
- Strong ownership mindset: you commit to tasks, deliver on time, and ask for help when you are blocked
- Clear communication with peers through the right channels, whether email, tickets, or meetings
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required
Nice to Have
- Experience with PLCs (structured text), SCADA, LabVIEW, or similar control and data acquisition tools
- Python or other scripting experience for automation or data analysis
- Hands-on experience from internships, student projects, or personal builds involving sensors, actuators, or test equipment