Vehicle Integration Engineer II 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.

Neutron Launch Vehicle

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering mega constellations, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program.

The Role

The Vehicle Integration Engineer II is responsible for integration, test, and launch of the Neutron launch vehicle. You will work closely with the Neutron Vehicle Integration Engineer and other key team members to develop processes, design and build ground support equipment, and manage the integration and launch of the Neutron Launch Vehicle.

What You'll Do

• Develop concepts of operations, 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 developing and enabling 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 for maximum efficiency.
  • Development and execution of vehicle system level checkouts for initial and flown launch vehicle and components.
  • Contribution, development, and ownership of work procedures and documentation of non-conformances into actionable items and system improvements.
  • Maintenance of integrated planning documents inclusive of launch vehicle configurations and work scope.
  • Design and development of tools and hardware to enable vehicle processing and ensure required testing abilities.
  • Development, build, and maintenance of Neutron processing facilities.
  • Close collaboration with management staff and peers from other departments and skilled technicians on daily routine.
• Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining focus towards common project goals.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering.
• 2+ years of experience in building and testing 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.

Preferred 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 launch vehicle hardware subsystems including avionics, high pressure gas, structures, electrical, and mechanical.
• Experience in build and test of complex assemblies at system and sub-system level.
• Demonstrated experience with project management principles in previous roles.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range (Virginia): $87,000 to $110,000 USD. Compensation includes company stock or cash incentives, employee stock purchase program, medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, paid parental leave, and other discounts and perks.

Working Conditions

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.

Employment 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 be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce.