Test Engineer II​/Senior

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 — with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and 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.

We are developing Neutron, a medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Space Systems designs and builds our satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Neutron is a medium-lift launch vehicle capable of delivering mega constellations of tomorrow, high-assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a cost-effective and reliable launch solution, leveraging Rocket Lab s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you re interested in joining a high-performing team and pushing the boundaries with clean-sheet development of a reusable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

Test Engineer II / Senior Test Engineer

Based out of Rocket Lab s Space Structures Complex, the Test Engineer is responsible for bringing test stands into the real world and ensuring they meet the stringent requirements for the Neutron program. Enable repeat build-test-fly operations for Neutron production and support productionization of test infrastructure.

• 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 from test campaigns.

• Develop and upgrade software for test systems.

• Own assembly, checkouts and development testing of Neutron test stands.

• Develop procedures and processes for primary structures 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.

(This position can be hired as a Test Engineer II or Senior Test Engineer Level)

• 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.

• 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…