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Salary: USD 134,000 - 201,350 / annual
Rocket Lab is seeking a Manager, Spacecraft Integration & Test to lead a dedicated sub-team executing testing across multiple spacecraft programs at their Long Beach, CA headquarters. This is a hands-on functional management role reporting to the Senior Manager of Integration & Test, with 6-10 direct reports.
You will guide and mentor your team while working alongside them on spacecraft development programs, communicating technical strategy and collaborating cross-functionally with nearly every other engineering team. The role spans the complete spacecraft integration and test lifecycle from early design phases through launch site operations, spacecraft deployment, and on-orbit commissioning.
Key responsibilities include:
- Executing functional management duties: 1-on-1s, performance reviews, and career development guidance
- Hiring, mentoring, and guiding test engineering teams; representing I&T during critical milestone and flight readiness reviews
- Driving continuous improvement through standardized test specifications, documentation templates, and optimized integration workflows
- Owning end-to-end spacecraft integration and test from design through on-orbit commissioning
- Partnering with Design, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to trace requirements, ensure design-for-testability, mitigate risks, and facilitate hardware handoffs
- Overseeing authoring, review, and execution of comprehensive test procedures, V&V plans, and automated test scripts
- Leading mechanical integration and electrical verification across core satellite subsystems (avionics, propulsion, power, thermal, RF)
- Directing multi-disciplinary failure investigations and root-cause data analysis on anomalous vehicle behavior
- Managing and executing system-level environmental test campaigns (Thermal Vacuum, vibration, shock, acoustics, EMI/EMC)
Rocket Lab's Space Systems team has enabled over 1,700 missions, including interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security initiatives, working with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, electronics, mechatronics, or other engineering discipline
- 8+ years of experience in a systems test engineer or other hands-on engineering role
- 1+ years of experience as a team lead, manager, or technical leader
- Deep working knowledge of spacecraft subsystems (C&DH, ADCS, EPS, Propulsion, Thermal) and their system-level interactions
- US citizenship required due to program requirements; ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
NICE-TO-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's or PhD in electrical, electronics, mechatronics, aerospace, or other engineering discipline
- Proven track record delivering multiple spacecraft from design through launch
- Hands-on competence reading electrical schematics and using electrical test instrumentation (oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, data acquisition systems) and mechanical ground support equipment
- Proficiency with test automation and scripting languages (Python, C++, MATLAB), SQL database querying, and Linux environments
- Experience with RF testing and hardware-in-the-loop testing
- Understanding of sensors, signal conditioning, and data acquisition electronics
- Experience working in clean rooms and with ESD-sensitive equipment
- Working knowledge of Siemens NX and Teamcenter
- Comfort executing to aggressive deadlines in high-pressure environments
- Effective communication and strong relationship-building skills
- Demonstrated track record coaching technical teams and executing mentorship frameworks
