Equipment Engineer II/Senior Equipment Engineer

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

ENGINEERING

Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab. Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space. You’ll work alongside driven, talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels, all committed to the same mission. Our engineering team members span design, analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, assembly and integration, quality control, engineering documentation, and more.

EQUIPMENT ENGINEER II/SENIOR EQUIPMENT ENGINEER

Based onsite at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Equipment Engineer II/Senior Equipment Engineer 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 the asset register, maintenance system, maintenance plans and completing maintenance activities.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Equipment Engineer II or Senior Equipment Engineer level)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Create, maintain, and carry out preventative maintenance requirements for each piece of equipment in RLHQ (including CNC machines, Inspection equipment, Testing equipment, 3d Printers, Vacuum Pumps, etc.)
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and repair equipment, disassembling and reassembling of 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)
• Perform mechanical work on or around process piping (liquid and pneumatic)
• Assist with the implementation of the company Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
• Create and maintain a system for calibration of critical tools and equipment across Long Beach Sites
• Assess and select (with the other stakeholders) the best out-sourced maintenance and calibration vendors for the company.
• Create technician training documents for SOPs.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN EQUIPMENT ENGINEER II:

• Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of equipment engineer experience or 4+ years of equipment engineer experience in lieu of a degree in any of the following industries: aerospace, automotive, medical device, or a heavily regulated manufacturing facility.
• Experience with Gantt charts, planning software and standard Microsoft office applications
• Experience and knowledgeable in fluid mechanics (liquids and gasses)
• Experience interpreting schematics and equipment manuals.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR EQUIPMENT ENGINEER:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of equipment engineer experience or 10+ years of equipment engineer experience in lieu of a degree in any of the following industries: aerospace, automotive, medical device, or a heavily regulated manufacturing facility.
• Experience with Gantt charts, planning software and standard Microsoft office applications
• Experience and knowledgeable in fluid mechanics (liquids and gasses)
• Experience interpreting schematics and equipment manuals.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Skilled trade, aeronautical or manufacturing experience
• Knowledge of Infor LN and/or Hippo or equivalent CMMS package •
• Implemented new CMMS systems before.
• Mig, Tig, Stick, Brazing and Soldering skills are a plus.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing.
• Takes initiative and can work unguided.
• Remains calm under pressure and an excellent communicator

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, stock options, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits may also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation , holidays , and sick leave ; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$90,000 – $120,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

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 achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

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 (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here .

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 Biow at [redacted]. 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.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States’ International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.