People & Culture Business Partner

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!

PEOPLE & CULTURE

Rocket Lab’s People & Culture team is responsible for looking after our most valuable asset: our people. Across our global teams, the People & Culture team supports our people and departments across recruitment, new staff orientation, compensation, training and development. They make sure our growing and diverse global team is supported and capable of delivering our projects and customer’s missions, and they’re responsible for supporting their development, nurturing their skills and talent, and retaining the world-class people already on our team.

PEOPLE & CULTURE BUSINESS PARTNER

Based onsite at Rocket Lab’s Space Structures Complex in Middle River, MD, the People & Culture Business Partner is responsible for providing advice and counsel in all areas of HR including on-going employee relations, employee development, interpretation of HR policies, and creating and implementing new programs and initiatives. The position formulates partnerships across the People & Culture function to deliver value-added service to management and employees that reflects the business objectives of the organization.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Drive the experience for all employees and ensure behavior of leaders and employees fully aligns with culture.
• Manages and resolves complex employee relations issues, and conducts effective, thorough, and objective investigations.
• Maintains in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Provides day-to-day performance management guidance to managers (e.g., coaching, counseling, career development, disciplinary actions).
• Works closely with management and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention.
• Provides policy guidance and interpretation related to employment matters.
• Provides guidance and input on business unit restructures, workforce planning and succession planning.
• Identifies training needs for business units and individual executive coaching needs.
• Participates in evaluation and monitoring of training programs to ensure success.
• Follows up to ensure training objectives are met.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of progressive experience in a Human Resources Generalist role supporting a blended exempt/non-exempt workforce.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of employment labor laws, regulations, and principles in a multi-state environment.
• Working knowledge of multiple human resource disciplines, including compensation practices, organizational diagnosis, employee and relations, diversity, performance management, and federal and state employment laws.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Effective communication and problem-solving skills
• Innovative thinker and continuous learner is positive with a growth mindset, drives change with a “can do” attitude, is results-minded and action-oriented.

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.