Subsystems Engineer II/Senior

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 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.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

SUBSYSTEMS ENGINEER II/SENIOR

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Subsystem Engineer provides technical leadership and coordination to meet Solar Cell, Panel, and Array program objectives. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

(Please note: This position can be hired at the Subsystem Engineer II or Senior Subsystem Engineer I level)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Act as the technical lead and technical customer point-of-contact for solar array programs.

• Lead a broad cross-functional team of individuals from R&D, analysis, operations, design, and manufacturing.

• Owns and reviews program technical content for a broad array of engineering disciplines.

• Primary point of contact with customers for all technical items on assigned solar array programs.

• Work in tandem with program managers to execute program milestones.

• Review all program related engineering documents and ensure all technical requirements are met.

• Support proposal compliance reviews and consult on technical input.

• Prepare engineering documentation for both internal and external customers.

• Support product configuration management tasks such as review and/or release of program specifications, travelers, and test procedures.

• Interface with production team and manufacturing engineer as required to resolve program related manufacturing issues.

• Support material review board and support closure of all engineering-related actions items.

• Run program-related Engineering Change Requests.

• Support Production Simulations and Test Data Reviews.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SUBSYSTEM ENGINEER II:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, material science, applied physics.

• 2+ years of industry experience (aerospace or other) in an engineering role.

• Knowledge of the Systems Engineering design process.

• Proficient in all MS Office applications.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR SUBSYSTEM ENGINEER I:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, material science, or applied physics.

• 5+ years of industry experience (aerospace or other) in an engineering role.

• Experience in the Systems Engineering design process.

• Proficient in all MS Office applications.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create clear, concise technical documentation using technical‑writing fundamentals.

• Must demonstrate leadership capability, including experience guiding others and taking ownership of results.

• Experience using Siemens NX; AutoCAD (DWG viewer); or SolidWorks 2012 (e-drawings) or newer version.

• Experience with power systems design for spacecraft and spacecraft environments.

• Experience in space-related manufacturing.

• Leadership experience in a project engineering role.

• Experience in a customer facing technical role.

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

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 Johnson at [email protected] 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.