Senior Equipment Engineer I - Facilities

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 rockethas 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

As a Senior Equipment Engineer based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is responsible to support facilities maintenance, operations, and improvement projects for our Sol Aero facilities. It also encompasses equipment maintenance and preventative maintenance responsibilities. You will be supporting internal leadership to ensure all facility equipment is up to current standards and can support Sol Aero’s production facility with the highest availability possible.

• Develop and execute plan to manage all building systems including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, safety, and waste management.
• Translate manufacturing, processes, and testing requirements into facilities specifications, including electrical, network infrastructure, HVAC, fluids (air, nitrogen, vacuum, water), and other critical systems.
• Plan, justify, and support execution of capital projects for facility upgrades, equipment installations, and layout improvements.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including operations, maintenance, and subcontractors to ensure facilities equipment meets safety and operational standards.
• Develop maintenance policy and procedures that ensure the optimal functioning of buildings, grounds, and associated equipment.
• Ensure facilities maintenance work follows safety standards, conforms to specifications, and that work orders are tracked and completed within the budgeted guidelines
• Apply Lean principles to facilities design and production system development, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Support equipment selection, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and production commissioning.
• Support EHS to ensure facility is compliant with OSHA, environmental regulations.
• Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues, implementing corrective actions, and performing preventive maintenance.
• Monitoring equipment performance, conducting evaluations, and implementing upgrades to optimize efficiency.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (preferably Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace) AND5+ years of experience in manufacturing or facilities…