Senior Vehicle Integration Engineer

Rocket Lab invites you to contribute to the Neutron launch vehicle program from our Wattsville, VA site. As a Senior Vehicle Integration Engineer, you will oversee integration, test and launch activities, help shape ground support tooling and processes, and lead vehicle integration efforts. This role blends hands-on engineering with cross functional collaboration to advance a mission focused on delivering reliable space capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Create concept of operations and lead the design and build of ground support tooling and procedures for handling Neutron vehicle components and integrated stages.
• Develop and execute procedures for integrating Neutron flight hardware with ground support equipment.
• Collaborate with the Neutron Integration Manager to plan and enable day to day execution of first and second stage vehicle integration, propellant system, avionics, and AFTS, including:
  • Develop and refine inspection, repair and retrofit, assembly and system test procedures based on lessons learned.
  • Design a 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.
  • Contribute to and own work procedures and documentation of non conformances, turning them into actionable items and system improvements.
  • Maintain integrated planning documents that cover 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 and peers from other departments and skilled technicians on daily routines.
  • Manage and track multiple priorities while maintaining alignment with project goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of experience building and testing launch vehicle hardware and related environments.
• Proven ability to author comprehensive work instructions and procedures for assembly, test, and launch.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams spanning mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems.

What to Expect

We are on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. This work requires hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, keeping egos in check, and rolling up our sleeves on tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and stay focused on delivering results.

Important Information

US offices only: To comply with ITAR and other space technology export controls, Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or be lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. government. Learn more about ITAR.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process for a job in the United States should contact the dedicated resource for accessibility. A response may take up to two business days.

New Zealand offices only: Security background checks will be conducted before any employment offers. These checks will include nationality verification as required to access equipment and data regulated by ITAR.

Under ITAR, eligibility to access regulated information may depend on citizenship. For more information, ITAR regulations apply.