Test Engineer II​/Senior

Overview

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.

• Upgrade and operate test infrastructure at Rocket Lab Space Structures Complex – this infrastructure is designed for qualification and load testing of Neutron primary structures.
• Ensure tests produce high quality data to maximize learning potential from test campaigns.
• Develop and upgrade software for test systems.
• Own assembly, checkouts and development testing of Neutron test stands.
• Develop the procedures & processes for primary structure tests that will form the baseline for the Neutron program into the future.
• Lead problem containment and root cause/corrective action investigations, when required.
• Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non‑conformances.
• Collaborate with the quality team to identify and drive quality‑related initiatives and improvements.
• Perform structured root cause analysis of in‑process failures.
• Liaison between production, quality, supply chain and design engineering staff for complex problem solving and process changes.
• Identify, plan and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet production requirements, including preparation of business cases.
• Lead the continuous improvement process via Lean/Six Sigma tools and techniques.
• Develop, introduce, and maintain new planning, production, quality, ERP, data collection and analysis, and other processes where none exist.

• Test Engineer II
  :
  Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or other technical field; 2+ years experience troubleshooting valves, actuators, regulators or similar fluid components during assembly, functional checkouts or while undergoing development and qualification testing; experience developing and building safe, high pressure, pneumatic, hydrostatic, and cryogenic test stands; experience with CAD systems (preferably NX); experience with data acquisition; strong foundation in control theory and working with control systems.
• Senior Test Engineer
  :
  Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or other technical field; 5+ years experience troubleshooting valves, actuators, regulators or similar fluid components during assembly, functional checkouts or while undergoing development and qualification testing; experience developing and building safe, high pressure, pneumatic, hydrostatic, and cryogenic test stands; significant experience with CAD systems (preferably NX); significant experience with data acquisition and analyses, including analog and digital signals, audio, high speed video;
  
  experience with control systems and understanding of their underlying mechanisms.

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.

• Top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts.
• Paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Discounted employee stock purchase program.
• Free snacks/drinks onsite.

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…