Vehicle Integration Engineer I Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. We develop 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, it leverages Rocket Lab's proven Electron program heritage while advancing clean-sheet development of reusable liquid launch vehicle technology.
The Role
You will be responsible for integration, test, and launch of the Neutron launch vehicle. You will work closely with the Neutron Vehicle Integration Manager and cross-functional teams to develop processes, design and build ground support equipment, and execute final integration and launch operations.
What You Will Do
- Develop con-ops, design, and build ground support tooling and processes for handling components and integrated stages of the Neutron Launch Vehicle
- Develop and execute procedures for integration of Neutron flight hardware and ground support equipment
- Support the Neutron Integration Manager in day-to-day execution of 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 of high-level vehicle maintenance architecture including build flow and test operations
- Development and execution of vehicle system-level checkouts for initial and flown launch vehicles and components
- Contribute, develop, and own work procedures and documentation of non-conformances into 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 testing
- Develop, build, and maintain Neutron processing facilities
- Collaborate closely with management staff, peers from other departments, and skilled technicians on daily operations
- Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining focus on common project goals
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering
- Knowledge of building and testing hardware associated with launch vehicles and their 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
Preferred Qualifications
- Master of Science degree in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering or equivalent
- Experience developing and utilizing comprehensive work instructions and test procedures
- Experience working directly with launch vehicle hardware and subsystems including avionics, high-pressure gas, structures, electrical, and mechanical
- Experience building and testing complex assemblies at system and sub-system level
- Demonstrated experience with Project Management principles
Physical Requirements
- Sit at desk and operate computer, keyboard, and office equipment for extended periods
- Use hands with dexterity to operate controls, tools, and technical equipment
- Read technical documents, drawings, and computer screens requiring close and distance vision
- Move between buildings, labs, and work areas
- Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust, and fumes in production areas
Compensation and Benefits
Base Salary: $77,600 to $97,000 USD. Total Compensation (base and equity): $103,950 to $109,000 USD.
Benefits include company stock as part of total compensation, Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount, medical HMO and PPO options, 100% company-sponsored HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) with company match, and free onsite snacks and drinks. Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.
Requirements
To work in US offices, you must be a US citizen, lawful US permanent resident (Green Card holder), or have been lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the US Department of State and/or US Department of Commerce as applicable. This is required to conform to US Government space technology export regulations including ITAR.