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Lead Fluid Test Engineer

Long Beach, California, 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, pushing the boundaries with clean sheet development of a reusable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity! 

LEAD TEST ENGINEER 

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Lead Test Engineer is responsible for developing the team that will bring component test stands into the real world and assuring they meet the stringent requirements needed for the Neutron program. You will support the Director of Manufacturing and the Neutron Development organization by standing up new test stands, supporting component designs early, leading assembly and testing of Neutron stands, and supporting production through testing operations. 

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

  • Coach, mentor and develop engineers to achieve new heights in their careers. 

  • Perform weekly, quarterly and yearly reviews with their direct employees 

  • Interview and hire candidates to fill new roles 

  • Create team goals and metrics to drive continuous improvement projects 

  • Lead/organize meetings as necessary to drive project completion 

  • Lead design & build of the Neutron & Archimedes Components test area in Long Beach 

  • Develop software for environmental testing and simulation 

  • Own assembly, checkouts and development testing of Neutron Component testing stands 

  • Develop the procedures & processes for component/engine tests that will form the baseline for the Neutron program into the future 

  • Lead problem containment and root cause/corrective action investigations, when required 

  • Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances 

  • Collaborate with the quality team to identify and drive quality-related initiatives and improvements 

  • Perform structured root cause analysis of in-process failures 

  • Liaison between production, quality, supply chain and design engineering staff for complex problem solving and process changes 

  • Identify, plan and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet production requirements, including preparation of business cases 

  • Lead the continuous improvement process via Lean/Six Sigma tools and techniques 

  • Develop, introduce, and maintain new planning, production, quality, ERP, data collection and analysis, and other processes where none exist 

  • Develop and implement equipment maintenance plans for all test based equipment 

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or other technical field 

  • 5+ years experience troubleshooting valves, actuators, regulators or similar fluid components during assembly, functional checkouts or while undergoing development and qualification testing 

  • 1+ years of personnel leadership experience  

  • Experience developing and building safe, high pressure, pneumatic, hydrostatic, and cryogenic test stands 

  • Experience with instrumentation, controls, and data acquisition systems 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

  • Master's or PhD in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or other technical field 

  • 8+ years experience troubleshooting valves, actuators, regulators, cryogenic systems or similar 

  • Experience with aerospace component design, build & testing 

  • Previous history of planning, building, activating & operating component test stands for development, qualification and production acceptance testing 

  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes common to fluid components 

  • Experience with LabVIEW, Python, C, C++, MATLAB 

  • Extensive experience using fundamentals of fluid and structural mechanics to solve component issues in a fast-paced environment 

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.  

  • Availability to work long hours and weekends as needed based on test and launch schedules.  

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, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts.

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 (CA Only)

$95,000 - $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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