Test Engineer II​/Senior

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 assuring they meet the stringent requirements needed for the Neutron program. The role enables repeat build-test-fly operations for Neutron production and supports the 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 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

• 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 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

• Master's or PhD in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or other technical field
• Experience with aerospace component design, build & testing
• Previous history of planning, building, activating & operating component test stands for development, qualification and production acceptance testing
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes common to fluid components
• Experience with LabVIEW, Python, C, C++, MATLAB
• Extensive experience using fundamentals of fluid and structural mechanics to solve component issues in a fast‑paced environment

• 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.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including top‑tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored medical…