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Ground Support Engineer II / Senior Ground Support Engineer, Neutron Transport

Middle River, Maryland, 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!

NEUTRON 

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team and pushing the boundaries of humanity with a clean sheet, reusable launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

GROUND SUPPORT ENGINEER II / SENIOR GROUND SUPPORT ENGINEER – NEUTRON TRANSPORT

The Ground Support Engineer – Neutron Transport position is desired to be based out of Rocket Lab's Middle River, MD Production Facility. This engineer will be responsible for the design and development of all Transport Tooling Hardware needed to support large Neutron shipments across the US East Coast. You will interface with critical teams within the Neutron development team including NZ based Ground System Engineers, Neutron Mechanical Systems, Propulsion, Production and more.  You will be responsible for successful Neutron Transport Tooling designs and hardware to enable development, production, testing, flight, and recovery.  Due to the size and scale of Neutron, many of the components will be required to utilize marine assets to transport hardware between vendors & Rocket Lab Facilities.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

  • Design, build, test and activate hardware required to handle & transport large Neutron flight vehicle components, primarily advanced carbon composites structures
  • Support design of tooling to allow for streamlined production, testing, integration and launch of Neutron from various locations across the US East Coast
  • Serve as technical expert for flight vehicle transport hardware which will primarily interface with a  marine transportation asset to enable production and development of Neutron
  • Develop technical details and lead design reviews for Ground Support Equipment including what hardware to build and how tests are performed in order to maximize the program’s available resources towards meaningful progress on Neutron
  • Collaborate heavily with Rocket Lab Engineering teams to ensure all systems are operational to support Neutron Production, Test & Launch
  • Support Ground System fabrication and testing both remotely and onsite as needed at Wallops Island as well as other facilities

NOTE: This position can be hired as a Ground Support Engineer II or Senior Ground Support Engineer level.

GROUND SUPPORT ENGINEER II, YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent 
  • 2+ years professional experience designing, building, operating or maintaining complex mechanical ground support equipment

SENIOR GROUND SUPPORT ENGINEER, YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:   

  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, civil, marine, electrical, systems, aerospace engineering, or related field
  • 5+ years professional experience designing, building, operating or maintaining complex mechanical ground support equipment

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

  • 3+ years professional experience in Marine Transport or Aerospace field
  • Experience designing and building Ground Support Equipment which interface with large assembly carbon composites
  • Experience working with teams of engineers to successful outcomes on challenging projects with tight timelines and budgets
  • Experience with NX/Teamcenter designing parts and/or assemblies
  • Experience with CAD/FEA Software Packages
  • Past experiences in design & build of ground support equipment referencing some of the following;
    • AFSPCMAN 91-710, NASA-STD-5005, NASA SP-8077, ASME BTH-1
  • Experience in structural design, detailed analysis, build, and integration of large, welded structures compliant to AWS D1.1 or equivalent.
  • Working knowledge of mechanical, fluids, hydraulics, or pneumatics systems, including components, such as valves, regulators, hydraulic actuators, pressure transducers, sensors, etc.
  • Experience interfacing with Civil Engineers to develop ground interfaces and loads for civil construction works.
  • Ability to develop and interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID’s)
  • Able to create and interpret engineering drawings with GD&T
  • Self-motivated and directed with keen attention to detail
  • Ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work
  • Detail oriented, organized, and demonstrate a high sense of urgency
  • Ability to work in fast-paced, high stress and remote environments
  • Ability to work autonomously, prioritize work, and make resource allocation recommendations that involve risk and uncertainty

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • 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.

 

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.  Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan 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, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, and free snacks/drinks onsite.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (MD Only)

$87,300 - $133,800 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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