Lead Recovery Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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!

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly 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, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

LEAD RECOVERY ENGINEER

The Lead Recovery Engineer position will initially be based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA. This person will develop a high performing team that is responsible for the design and development of all offshore Recovery assets needed to support Neutron downrange landings. You will interface with critical teams within the Neutron development team including Ground Systems, GNC, Software, Avionics, Mechanical Systems and Propulsion.  Your team will be responsible for successful Neutron Recovery program designs and hardware to enable development, testing, flight, and recovery. 

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:  

• Guide a small team of engineers through the early stages of developing the Neutron Recovery program
• Own critical Recovery system designs, analysis and other technical details as needed to support the objectives of the team
• Serve as technical expert for marine system designs required for Neutron Recovery
• Provide strategy on development plans including what hardware to build and how tests are performed in order to maximize the program’s available resources towards meaningful progress on Neutron
• Build and maintain relationships with key vendors and contractors as needed through the Recovery system lifecycle
• Collaborate heavily with Rocket Lab Engineering teams to ensure all systems are operational to support Neutron Recovery
• Support Recovery system fabrication and testing both remotely and onsite as needed at Wallops Island as well as other facilities

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, naval, marine, electrical, systems or aerospace engineering, or related field
• 5+ years professional experience designing, building, operating or maintaining complex mechanical, marine or electrical hardware
• Experience successfully leading a team through a challenging technical project or program

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• 5+ years professional experience in Maritime or Aerospace field
• Experience designing and building complex, multi-disciplinary systems including;
• Electrical, Mechanical, Hydraulic, Fluids, or Marine Systems
• Experience leading teams of engineers to successful outcomes on challenging projects with tight timelines and budgets
• Past work experience, internships, or projects related to aerospace vehicles/payloads, automotive, aircraft, or marine assemblies
• Self-motivated and directed with keen attention to detail
• Ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work
• Detail oriented, organized, and demonstrate a high sense of urgency
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high stress and remote environments
• Ability to work autonomously, prioritize work, and make resource allocation recommendations that involve risk and uncertainty

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• 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. 

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

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 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, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)$90,000—$160,000 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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.