Equipment Engineer

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 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.

Rocket Lab’s Facilities team is responsible for maintenance, operations, and improvements projects across our locations, making sure that the facilities our teams use every day are well looked after and operating as they should.

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Equipment Engineer I has ownership of the maintenance and calibration of all equipment used in production at Rocket Lab's Headquarters and Engine Development Center. You'll be responsible for developing and/or maintaining the asset register, maintenance system, maintenance plans and completing maintenance activities.

• Maintain and carry out preventative maintenance requirements for each piece of equipment in our Long Beach facilities (including CNC machines, inspection equipment, testing equipment, 3D printers, vacuum pumps, air compressors, chillers, ultrasonic machines, EDM machines, etc.)
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and repair equipment, disassembling and reassembling actuators, flow, pressure, density, temperature meters, positive and non‑positive displacement pumps, and valves (including but not limited to gate, globe, ball, butterfly, check, pressure, double block and diaphragm).
• Vendor relationship coordination for repairs and scheduling major maintenance for all equipment.
• Maintain internal maintenance schedules as well as vendor preventative maintenance schedules.
• Manage all equipment on LN and upload service documents, update equipment lists, and maintain asset validation.
• Assist with the implementation of the company Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Assist with maintaining a system for calibration of critical tools and equipment across Long Beach sites.
• Assist with the creation of technician training documents for SOPs.

• Bachelor’s degree or 4+ years of equipment maintenance experience (in lieu of a degree) in any of the following industries: aerospace, automotive, medical device, or a heavily regulated manufacturing facility.
• Experience with standard Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience working with mechanical components and troubleshooting electrical systems on equipment.
• Experience interpreting schematics and equipment manuals.

• Skilled trade, aeronautical or manufacturing experience.
• Experience with Gantt charts and planning software.
• Comfortability working with new systems and software.
• Knowledge of Infor LN and/or Hippo or equivalent CMMS package.
• Implemented new CMMS systems in production environment.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing.
• Takes initiative and can work with minimal guidance.
• Remains calm under pressure and an excellent communicator.

• 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.
• Availability to…