Integrated Operations Engineer II

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space enterprise delivering rapid launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. The company's mission is to democratize space access. Their Electron rocket ranks as the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, having deployed over 230 satellites. Rocket Lab is also developing Neutron, a medium-lift reusable launch vehicle for deploying large constellations. Their Space Systems division designs and manufactures satellites and components, including those selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, and technology used in the James Webb Space Telescope.

Role Overview - Integrated Operations Engineer II

Integrated Operations oversees testing and operational management of Electron launch vehicles and Photon spacecraft, covering phases from stack testing through pre-launch processing, launch, on-orbit activity, and mission disposal. Activities take place at various global locations including propulsion test facilities in New Zealand and the U.S., mission control centers, and launch sites.

This intermediate engineering role requires competence across multiple operational disciplines. The successful candidate will independently fulfill operational duties during testing and launch, contribute to process enhancements, and be responsible for significant elements of operations and project development within the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and execute testing, pre-launch activities, and launch operations.
• Establish testing and operational requirements.
• Create, coordinate, and carry out procedures to ensure safe, effective, and efficient testing and launches.
• Operate on-console during tests and launches, maintaining comprehensive situational awareness and communication.
• Diagnose and resolve issues in real time during testing and operations.
• Conduct failure investigations and root cause analyses to prevent recurrence.
• Analyze data post-test and post-flight to assess outcomes.
• Continuously enhance integration, testing, and operational procedures.
• Be willing to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 1-2 years experience in engineering design, testing, or operations.
• Knowledge and/or practical skills with mechanical systems such as structures, mechanisms, propulsion, pressurization, hydraulics, pneumatics, HVAC, instrumentation, or command and control systems.
• Ability to maintain situational awareness and effective real-time communications during complex operational activities.
• Detail-oriented with a conscientious approach to work.
• Capability to work effectively under pressure and meet critical deadlines.
• Self-motivated, disciplined, and positively driven.

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Over 2 years of experience in design, testing, or operations engineering.
• Experience working in safety-critical or high-pressure environments.
• Background with launch vehicles or spacecraft involving integration, testing, launch, or mission operations.

Important Information for Applicants

Applicants aiming to work in U.S. offices must meet U.S. Government space technology export controls (ITAR), requiring citizenship or authorization compliance. Rocket Lab is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process.

Applicants for roles in New Zealand offices will undergo background and nationality checks to comply with ITAR regulations, requiring citizenship from approved countries including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the EU, or NATO member nations. Certain dual citizenships may be disqualifying.