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Rocket Lab is seeking an experienced Senior Payload Integration Engineer to join the Neutron program, a medium-lift reusable launch vehicle development effort. This role reports to the Team Lead for Payload Integration and focuses on spacecraft-to-launch-vehicle integration activities.
You will perform hands-on payload integration work including fit checks, dispenser integration, and launch vehicle integration for both the Electron and HASTE platforms. Key responsibilities include coordinating on-site integration planning, developing and verifying Launch Vehicle to Spacecraft Interface Control Documentation (ICD), creating and executing assembly integration and test instructions, and providing technical customer support.
You will interface directly with spacecraft customer integration teams and work across multidisciplinary internal teams to solve technical challenges. The role requires frequent travel to customer sites and launch facilities worldwide, including New Zealand and other international locations.
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical discipline with 5+ years of applicable launch vehicle or space hardware integration experience. Active US Government security clearance (Secret or TS/SCI) is mandatory. You must demonstrate strong understanding of technical constraints in payload integration, advanced presentation and technical writing skills, and ability to read mechanical and electrical drawings.
Preferred qualifications include mechanical, electrical, or aerospace engineering degree; experience with CubeSats or SmallSats; ability to perform electrical and mechanical testing; and strong interpersonal and organizational skills. The position is based at Rocket Lab headquarters in Long Beach, CA, with occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate noise levels in hardware integration environments.
