Panel Program Engineer I​/II

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 to 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.

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high‑performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Panel Program Engineer I/II provides technical support and coordination to achieve Solar Panel and Solar Array program objectives, ensure requirements are met, and implement system concepts throughout the project plan’s execution. This position acts as the primary liaison between program engineering leadership, the program management team, and internal technical experts to define an executable project that meets program needs.

The role also includes preparing presentations and diagrams related to technical requests or problem analysis and coordinating recommended solutions with the program leadership team and other stakeholders.

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Please note:

this position can be hired at the Panel Program Engineer I or Panel Program Engineer II)

• Create clear and succinct documentation of analyses and proposals to communicate assumptions, methodologies, and conclusions.
• Support proposal compliance reviews and provide consultation on technical input.
• Interact with a broad, cross‑functional team of individuals from R&D, operations, program management, design, and manufacturing.
• Collaborate with the Spacecraft Subsystems Project Engineer.
• Prepare engineering documentation for both internal and external customers.
• Support product configuration management tasks, such as reviewing and/or releasing program specifications, travelers, and test procedures.
• Interface with the production team and manufacturing engineers as required to resolve program‑related manufacturing issues.
• Support the closure of all engineering‑related action items.
• Review of all program‑related engineering documents.
• Provide instructions for special operations.
• Review of all program‑related Engineering Change Requests.
• Support production simulations and test data reviews.

• BS degree in engineering, material science, or applied physics.
• Experience using NX, AutoCAD (DWG viewer) or Solid Works 2012 (e‑drawings) or newer.

• BS degree in engineering, material science, or applied physics.
• 2+ years…