Rocket Lab Looking for Test & Launch Operations Operator (Mechanical Engineer II) at Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Full Time

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!

About Engineering At Rocket Lab

Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab . Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space . You’ll work alongside driven , talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels , all committed to the same mission . Our engineering team members span design , analysis , prototyping , testing , manufacturing , assembly and integration , quality control , engineering documentation , and more.

What You’ll Get To Do

As a Test & Launch Operations Operator on the Integrated Operations team at Rocket Lab, you will be responsible for and actively participate in some of the most exciting work at Rocket Lab as you perform critical testing of rocket stages and flight ready launch vehicles up to and including the launch and mission operations. You will also test and prepare related test stands, launch facilities, and tracking assets to ensure they’re ready to support vehicle testing and launch operations. This will include system hot-fire testing at stack test facilities near Auckland, NZ, test and operations at the Rocket Lab Mission Control Centre in Auckland, NZ, and pre-launch and launch operations at Rocket Lab’s LC-1 (Mahia, NZ) and LC-2 (Wallops Island, VA) launch facilities.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Prepare for and conduct testing, pre-launch operations, and launch operations.
• Define test and operations requirements.
• Prepare test plans and procedures.
• Perform flight vehicle and facility checkouts and readiness testing.
• Troubleshoot and resolve test and operations issues real-time.
• Perform post-test and post-flight data review and analyses.
• Continually improve and streamline integration, testing, and operations.
• Domestic and international travel will be required.

You’ll Bring These Qualifications

• Self-driven, motivated, and contagiously positive.
• Comfortable and capable working in a highly collaborative team-centric environment.
• Proven communication skills and ability to build strong working relationships.
• Able to maintain situational awareness and real-time communications throughout complex operations.
• Careful work ethic with an eye for detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have

• Aerospace, mechanical, electrical, mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent work experience.
• Strong hands-on problem-solving skills.
• Strong technical skills with direct experience in test and/or operations.
• Experience with launch vehicles or spacecraft including integration, testing, launch, or mission operations.
• Experience and/or expertise with electrical systems including one or more of avionics, power, communications, networking, software, data handling, RF, instrumentation, or command & control electronics.
• Experience and/or expertise with mechanical systems including one of more of structures, mechanisms, propulsion, pressurization, hydraulics, pneumatics, HVAC, instrumentation, or command & control systems.

If the above sounds like you, apply now!

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

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 Biow at

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