About The Role

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!

BUILDING NEUTRON AT ROCKET LAB:

Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Rocket Lab operates two propulsion test facilities in the Waikato region used to assess various propulsion products flight worthiness. The test cells within these facilities require onsite support and automation to improve both the rate and quality of output, as well as continuous improvement to the software tooling used in test analysis.

The purpose of the Propulsion Automation & Test Systems Engineer is to drive a fiercely efficient production test process with the aim to increase total cell throughput without compromise on quality or safety of the testing processes. The scope of the role will primarily be automation of both physical tasks and administrative tasks in the testing sequence through application of software knowledge and integration of the test systems with the wider business information systems.

The Propulsion Automation & Test Systems Engineer will be based onsite at PTC and will be responsible for the system setup, configuration, improvement, and maintenance of all test systems at the Propulsion Test Complex (PTC) including software tools and architecture for data capture, processing, and analysis. The position will require a broad range of knowledge across software systems including PLC, SQL, TestStand and the National Instruments ecosystem as well as an understanding of electrical, mechanical, and fluid systems.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering or demonstrated equivalent level of knowledge
Experience in plant and process automation
Hardware testing applications
Experience working directly with Engineering or R&D teams
Clear and confident verbal and written communication skills
Excellent problem-solving ability
Can work alone at remote sites and has a “can do” attitude
Linux-based systems
Acquisition and processing of data signals

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Preparing and maintaining test plans and test cases in accordance with engineer specifications.
National Instruments ecosystem
- Test Stand
- Flexlogger
Data visualization (Tableau)
SQL and Postgres.
PLC programming
Networking and firewalls.
GUI design and implementation
Application and measurement of various instruments including
- Pressure sensors
- Thermocouples
- Strain gauges
- Load cells
- Accelerometers
- Voltage/Current
Serial communications

If you meet 50% of the requirements in this job ad – we want to hear from you with a variety of openings currently - 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 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 Biow 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.