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Rocket Lab • Middle River, Maryland, United States
Salary: $100,000 - $160,000 / year
Role & seniority: Test Engineer II or Senior Test Engineer (level determined during hire)
Stack/tools: CAD (NX), data acquisition systems, test stands for high-pressure/pneumatic/hydrostatic/cryogenic tests; software: LabVIEW, Python, C/C++, MATLAB (nice-to-have); control theory knowledge
Upgrade, operate, and validate Neutron primary-structure test infrastructure; ensure high-quality data from test campaigns
Own assembly, checkouts, and development/testing of Neutron test stands; develop procedures for primary-structure tests
Lead problem containment, root-cause/corrective actions, and cross-functional collaboration (quality, production, supply chain, design engineering); drive continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma)
Bachelor’s in mechanical, aerospace, or related field
For II: 2+ years in troubleshooting valves/actuators/regulators and building safe test stands; experience with CAD (NX) and data acquisition
For Senior: 5+ years in similar testing; significant NX experience; advanced data acquisition/analysis (analog/digital, high-speed video, audio)
Experience with high-pressure, pneumatic, hydrostatic, and cryogenic test stands; strong control theory foundation
Master’s/PhD; aerospace component design/testing experience
Experience with LabVIEW, Python, C/C++, MATLAB; production/qualification testing of components
Lean/Six Sigma project experience; planning and operati
About The Role
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
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!
TEST ENGINEER II / SENIOR TEST ENGINEER
Based out of Rocket Lab's Space Structures Complex, the Test Engineer is responsible for bringing test stands into the real world and assuring they meet the stringent requirements needed for the Neutron program. Enable repeat build-test-fly operations for Neutron production and enable productionization of test infrastructure.
What You’ll Get To Do
Upgrade and Operate Test infrastructure at Rocket Lab Space Structures Complex – This infrastructure is designed for qualification and load testing of Neutron primary structures Ensure tests produce high quality data to maximize learning potential from test campaigns. Develop and upgrade software for test systems. Own assembly, checkouts and development testing of Neutron test stands Develop the procedures & processes for primary structures 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
(This position can be hired as a Test Engineer II or Senior Test Engineer Level)
You'll Bring These Qualifications As a Test Engineer Ii
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or other technical field 2+ years experience troubleshooting valves, actuators, regulators or similar fluid components during assembly, functional checkouts or while undergoing development and qualification testing Experience developing and building safe, high pressure, pneumatic, hydrostatic, and cryogenic test stands Experience with CAD systems (preferably NX) Experience with data acquisition Strong foundation in control theory and working with control systems
You'll Bring These Qualifications As a Senior Test Engineer
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 Experience developing and building safe, high pressure, pneumatic, hydrostatic, and cryogenic test stands Significant Experience with CAD systems (preferably NX) Significant Experience with data acquisition and analyses, including analog and digital signals, audio, high speed video Experience with control systems and understanding of their underlying mechanisms.
These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have
Master's or PhD in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or other technical field 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
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)
$100,000—$160,000 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
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 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.