Equipment Engineer, Lead

JOB OVERVIEW

Based out of Rocket Lab’s site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Equipment Engineer, Lead will coordinate with Facilities and Equipment Services to create installation project summaries and operational work instructions for all assigned new equipment.

• Equipment engineers are responsible for the full lifecycle of machinery and equipment, including design, installation, maintenance, and performance optimization.
• Design and develop equipment systems and components tailored to industrial or manufacturing requirements.
• Prepare detailed technical specifications, engineering drawings, and schematics for manufacturing and assembly.
• Oversee the installation, testing, and commissioning of equipment to ensure proper functionality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, implement corrective actions, and perform preventive maintenance.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including operations, maintenance, and vendors, to ensure equipment meets safety and performance standards.
• Monitor equipment performance, conduct evaluations, and implement upgrades to optimize efficiency.
• Create technician training documents for SOPs.

• 5+ years of experience in the semiconductor industry.
• 5+ years of experience in a production or other highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years of experience in facilities and equipment engineering.

• Takes initiative and works independently.
• Remains calm under pressure and communicates effectively.
• Demonstrated success in planning, directing, and implementing complex projects on time, within budget, and with desired functionality.
• Ability to maintain a broad focus while paying attention to detail and managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proven ability to work effectively with all levels of the organization, including staff, business stakeholders, and management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present to an executive audience.
• Excellent conflict resolution, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Ability to thrive in fast‑paced, dynamic, and ambiguous environments.
• Proven experience with project management methodologies.
• Highly organized and detail oriented.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. This role requires determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others deem impossible.

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  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.

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…