Integrated Operations Engineer - Team Z
Rocket Lab
Salary undisclosed
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Description
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.
ENGINEERING
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.
INTEGRATED OPERATIONS ENGINEER – TEAM Z
As an Integrated Operations Engineer II based at Rocket Lab’s site in Auckland, you will have the opportunity to support integrated testing and operations starting with stack testing through pre-launch processing, launch, on-orbit operations, and mission disposal. Integrated Operations is also responsible for configuration, checkout, and operation of related facilities, equipment, and infrastructure. Join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Define test and operational requirements
- Define Concept of Operations (CONOPs) flow for testing and operations
- Plan, schedule, and conduct test and operations to meet program schedules
- Develop, coordinate, and execute plans and procedures to efficiently, effectively, and safely conduct test and launch operations
- Lead and/or participate in gated readiness reviews conducted prior to integration, testing, and operations
- Lead and/or configure and checkout test stands, launch pads, and control centres prior to conduct of testing and operations
- Lead and/or perform integration and checkout of test articles and flight vehicles prior to testing, operations, or flight
- Direct installation (e.g., mounting on test stands, launch pads, etc.) and configuration of test/flight articles and associated instrumentation for testing and operations
- Lead and conduct testing and operations activities in accordance with established practices and procedures
- Perform failure investigations and root cause analyses sufficient to prevent recurrence of issues
- Support the design, development, deployment, certification, operation, and maintenance of test and operations related equipment, facilities, and infrastructure
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Aerospace, mechanical, electrical, mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent
- 3+ years of experience in engineering design, test and/or operations
- Ability to read, understand and follow detailed schematics, drawings, and instructions
- Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships
- Careful work ethic with an eye for detail
- Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines
- Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- 5+ years of experience in engineering design, test and/or operations
- Experience working with launch vehicles or spacecraft including integration, testing, launch, and/or mission operations
- Experience with CAD systems preferably SolidWorks
- Experience with Java, Python, or other object-oriented programming language
- Experience with LabVIEW and PLC development for data acquisition & Realtime control
If this sounds like you, Apply today!
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.
About this role
Rocket Lab's Auckland operations need an engineer to manage the full lifecycle of integrated testing and launch operations—from initial stack testing through pre-launch processing, launch execution, on-orbit activities, and mission disposal. You'd own the definition of test and operational requirements, develop procedures and Concepts of Operations, lead readiness reviews, configure test stands and launch facilities, and direct integration and checkout of test articles and flight vehicles. This role bridges design and execution, requiring you to troubleshoot failures, coordinate across teams, and ensure operations run safely and on schedule.
The position calls for an aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or mechatronic engineering degree plus at least three years in engineering design, test, or operations. You'll need to read schematics and technical drawings fluently, communicate clearly across disciplines, and maintain precision under pressure—including willingness to work at heights and in confined spaces. Experience with launch vehicles or spacecraft, CAD (particularly SolidWorks), and real-time control systems like LabVIEW or PLCs would strengthen your candidacy, though aren't required to start.
This is hands-on engineering work in a fast-paced environment where you'll see direct impact on actual missions. It suits someone comfortable with both technical depth and operational leadership, who thrives on tight deadlines and wants to work on problems that matter in the space industry.
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