engineer

Senior Manufacturing Engineer Ion Thrusters

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!

SPACE SYSTEMS 

Rocket Lab Space Systems started with the CAPSTONE mission in support of NASA’s Artemis program, putting a satellite in a Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit around the Moon for the first time. Then we became just the second company to successfully complete re-entry from orbit, enabling microgravity manufacturing for the first time. Soon we’re going to Mars! Designing and building spacecraft to undertake a groundbreaking science mission with the University of California Berkeley and NASA.  

We manufacture single bespoke satellites for highly complex missions, through to entire constellations. And we’re unique in offering vertical integration with our in-house satellite components too. This means we can move fast, design and build components exactly the way we want them, and constantly innovate. Our Space Systems team does the impossible, taking on the most challenging and rewarding missions – and we’re only just getting started! 

This role offers a rare opportunity to be part of our growing team. You’ll be working with some of the most talented and dedicated people you’ll ever meet, collaborating to do the impossible and continue redefining what can be achieved.  

TEST ENGINEER ION THRUSTERS 

This role is responsible for developing, building and executing a manufacturing process for an ion propulsion system to compliment Rocket Lab’s expanding spacecraft capabilities. As a Senior Engineer you’ll develop the build process, from the idea to production. Risk, cost or quality-based decisions on the manufacturing process are to be identified and mitigated early. You will need to provide regular guidance to the rest of the team to enable fluent manufacturing as the product grows from an idea to flight operations and then ongoing production. 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

  • Direct experience with Hall thruster manufacturing lines 
    • Or separate manufacturing experience and Hall thruster development experience 
  • Contributed to the development of a complete product manufacturing process 
  • Proven aerospace manufacturing skills 
  • Proven tooling selection, design and operation skills 
  • Degree in Materials or Mechanical Engineering 
  • 3 years spacecraft industry experience 
  • 5 years total work experience 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

  • Masters or PhD in Materials or Mechanical Engineering 
  • 8 years spacecraft industry experience 

ROCKET LAB EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

  • The opportunity to work on innovative and ground breaking technology
  • An employee stock purchase program
  • Access to world leading experts to develop your career
  • Unlimited barista coffee, fruit, and snacks
  • Rocket Lab merchandise – T-shirts, mission patches etc.
  • Discounted health insurance with Southern Cross
  • Additional parental leave entitlements
  • A vibrant team culture with social activities throughout the year

If the above sounds like you apply now!

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.

 

Job Overview

  • Date Posted:
  • Job Title: Senior Manufacturing Engineer Ion Thrusters