Senior Facilities Engineer

About the role

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. 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.

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.

Senior Facilities Engineer I

• Translate manufacturing, process, and testing requirements into facilities specifications, including electrical, network infrastructure, HVAC, fluids (air, nitrogen, vacuum, water), and other critical systems.
• Ownership of facility layout in NX or SolidWorks.
• Plan, justify, and support execution of capital projects for facility upgrades, equipment installations, and layout improvements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and production teams to align facilities systems with operational goals.
• Apply Lean principles to facilities design and production system development, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Support equipment selection, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and production commissioning.
• Support EHS to ensure facility is compliant with OSHA, environmental regulations.
• Support Building Management System (BMS) rollout across the production facility

You’ll bring these qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (preferably Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace).
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or facilities engineering environments.
• Proven experience designing, implementing, and supporting production systems and facilities infrastructure with demonstrated results.
• Proficiency with CAD systems such as NX or SolidWorks.
• Experience in the application of Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies.

These qualifications would be nice to have:

• Engineering degree (preferably Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace)
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing, industrial engineering, or facilities engineering roles.
• Experience transitioning products from design to production in fast-paced, iterative environments.
• Knowledge of composites and launch vehicle manufacturing processes.
• Experience with heavy equipment, large-scale lifting operations, and structural assembly.

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.

Pay and Benefits

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, and free snacks/drinks onsite.

Base Pay Range (MD Only): $102,000 - $135,000 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.
• FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
  • 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.

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