Graphic Designer
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine.
About the Marketing & Communications Team
The Marketing & Communications team is the storytelling engine of Rocket Lab. We tell the big stories, break down the complex concepts, showcase the inspiring missions, and make space beautiful. Through media relations, social media, video production, events, merchandise, and design, the Marketing & Communications team works across the entire business to translate literal rocket science into stories and messages that resonate with key audiences.
Responsibilities
- Design high-quality graphics for digital platforms, print materials, presentations, and event activations
- Develop compelling visual concepts that translate complex aerospace technology into accessible, engaging content
- Create branded assets for product launches, mission campaigns, and corporate communications
- Support the production of video content, motion graphics, and social media assets
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining consistency with Rocket Lab's brand standards
- Partner with external vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of creative work (merchandise, conference booths, websites, printed collateral etc)
- Contribute to the evolution of Rocket Lab's visual identity as the company grows
- Design mission patches, vehicle livery, and other unique aerospace applications
- Maintain organized asset libraries and design systems
Requirements
- 5+ years of professional graphic design experience & a bachelor's degree or equivalent years of work experience (9+ years of total work experience)
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
- Portfolio demonstrating expertise in brand design
- Experience in developing merchandise and swag, working with vendors through the production process to deliver completed products
- Understanding of typography, layout, color theory, and visual hierarchy
Nice-to-Have Qualifications
- Experience working in aerospace, space, defense, or deep-tech industries
- Experience with motion graphics, video editing, or 3D rendering software is a plus
- Knowledge of web design principles and tools like Figma or Sketch
- Familiarity with 3D software such as Cinema 4D, Blender, or KeyShot
- Experience designing for live events, exhibitions, or experiential activations
- Understanding of photography direction and art direction for photo shoots
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities
- Strong communication skills and the ability to present creative concepts
- A collaborative mindset with the ability to take direct feedback and iterate quickly
- Passion for storytelling and translating technical subject matter into compelling visuals
Work Environment
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Benefits
- Competitive base pay with company stock as part of your total compensation package
- Industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock)
- Top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution)
- Dental and vision coverage
- Paid vacation and sick time
- 11 paid holidays
- Flexible spending and dependent care accounts
- Paid parental leave
- Disability and life insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Subsidized EV charging
- Onsite fitness centers (where available)
- Discounted gym memberships
- Complimentary snacks and beverages
- 50% employee discount on Rocket Lab merchandise
- Various other employee discounts
Pay
Base Pay Range (CA Only): $90,000 USD - $115,000 USD. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
Location
This role can be based in either Long Beach, California or Auckland, New Zealand.