Vehicle Integration Engineer II Verified today

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected and protected, and expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

The Neutron Program

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 cost-effective and reliable launch solutions. This is a clean-sheet development of a reusable liquid launch vehicle.

The Role

As Vehicle Integration Engineer II, you will own integration, test, and launch of the Neutron launch vehicle, working closely with the Integration Manager and key team members to develop processes, design and build ground support equipment, and execute final vehicle integration and launch.

What You'll Do

• Develop concepts of operations, design, and drive build of ground support tooling and processes for handling components and integrated stages.
• Develop and execute procedures for integration of Neutron launch vehicle flight hardware and ground support equipment.
• Support the Integration Manager in developing and enabling day-to-day execution of 1st and 2nd stage vehicle integration, propellant systems, avionics, and AFTS (Autonomous Flight Termination System).
• 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 vehicles and components.
• Own work procedures and documentation of non-conformances, converting them into actionable items and system improvements.
• Maintain integrated planning documents covering launch vehicle configurations and work scope.
• Design and develop tools and hardware to enable vehicle processing and ensure required testing capabilities.
• Develop, build, and maintain Neutron processing facilities.
• Collaborate closely with management, peers from other departments, and skilled technicians.
• Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining focus on 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 including mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems.

Nice to Have

• Master of Science degree in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering or equivalent.
• Experience and demonstrated proficiency in developing and utilizing comprehensive work instructions and test procedures.
• Experience working with launch vehicle hardware and subsystems including avionics, high pressure gas, structures, electrical, and mechanical.
• Experience building and testing complex assemblies at system and subsystem 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 as needed.
• Work in office and technical environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Compensation

Base Salary: $95,200 to $119,000 USD. Total Compensation (including equity): $129,000 to $136,000 USD. You will receive company stock as part of your total compensation package. Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits include an industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical HMO and PPO with 100% company-sponsored HSA 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, and free snacks and drinks onsite.

US Person Requirement

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), lawfully admitted into the U.S. 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.