Senior Vehicle Integration Engineer Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine.
About Neutron
Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering mega constellations, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable platform, Neutron builds on Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program.
The Role
The Senior Vehicle Integration Engineer is responsible for integration, test, and launch of the Neutron launch vehicle. You will work closely with the Vehicle Integration Manager and other key team members, developing processes in a team environment and designing and building necessary equipment for receipt, final integration, and launch.
What You'll 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 the Neutron Integration Manager in developing and enabling day-to-day execution of 1st and 2nd stage vehicle integration, propellant system, avionics, and AFTS.
- Develop and refine inspection, repair/retrofit, assembly, and system test procedures based on lessons learned.
- Design high-level vehicle maintenance architecture including build flow and test operations for maximum efficiency.
- Develop and execute vehicle system level checkouts for initial and flown launch vehicle and components.
- Develop, own, and document work procedures and identify non-conformances as actionable items and system improvements.
- Maintain integrated planning documents 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, peers from other departments, and skilled technicians on daily routine.
- Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining focus on common project goals.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering.
- 5+ years of experience in building and testing of hardware associated with 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.
Desired Qualifications
- Master of Science degree in aerospace, mechanical, manufacturing engineering, 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 with build and test of complex assemblies at system and sub-system level.
- Demonstrated experience with Project Management principles.
Physical Requirements
This position requires close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. You will regularly sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing. You must be physically able to commute to buildings and may experience occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise in production areas.
Compensation
Base Salary: $108,800 - $187,850 USD
Total Compensation (base and equity): $129,075 - $224,275 USD
Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance. You will receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success.
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits include industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount), medical HMO and PPO plans with 100% company-sponsored HSA option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, and free onsite snacks and drinks.
US Citizenship and Export Control Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Commerce.