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Launch Systems Engineer II/Senior Launch Systems Engineer

Littleton, Colorado, United States

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SPACE SYSTEMS 

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

LAUNCH SYSTEMS ENGINEER II/SENIOR LAUNCH SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Littleton, CO, the Launch Systems Engineer II/Senior Launch Systems Engineer is responsible for the development and maintenance of technical budgets, requirements definition, test planning and execution, and overall management of the systems engineering process for our government and commercial launches. You will support the Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Launch Systems Engineer II or Senior Launch Systems Engineer level)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

  • Develop and maintain:
    • System requirements and verification techniques
    • Test methods and data analysis for critical components (energy storage, propulsion, etc.)
    • Range safety analysis
  • Define and maintain launch vehicle to spacecraft interfaces (ICD development, inhibit definition)
  • Assist with program and product management in securing and executing on launch integration
  • Develop, in collaboration with team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS LAUNCH SYSTEMS ENGINEER II:

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
  • 2+ years of experience working with launch vehicles
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD clearance

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR LAUNCH SYSTEMS ENGINEER:

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
  • 5+ years of experience working with launch vehicles
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Master’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
  • Experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK
  • Experience with requirement management tools such as JAMA or DOORS
  • Experience supporting government and commercial launches
  • Experience supporting compliance analysis to AFSPCMAN91-710 range safety requirements
  • Experience with testing mechanical, electrical and propulsion subsystems and assemblies
  • Experience with spacecraft subsystems
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities
  • Active DoD security clearance

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to travel up to 25%, both domestic and international, to support launch and payload integration activities
  • Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
  • Regularly required to sit. use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
  • Must be physically able to commute to buildings
  • Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. 

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.  

Base Pay Range (CO Only)

$80,000 - $135,000 USD

 

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

 

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

 

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To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

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