Payload Integration Engineer II/Senior Payload Integration Engineer I - TSC/SCI Clearance

$90,000 - $195,000/Yr

Rocket Lab USA - Long Beach, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Long Beach, CA

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

Rocket Lab is seeking a Payload Integration Engineer II / Senior Payload Integration Engineer to join our team in Long Beach, CA. This role is crucial for the integration of payloads onto our Electron and Neutron launch vehicles. The successful candidate will work under the direction of a Team Lead and report to the Manager of Missions and Payload Integration. The position requires a strong background in spacecraft or launch vehicle integration, systems engineering, and electrical/mechanical systems. The engineer will be responsible for interfacing with spacecraft customer integration teams and performing tasks associated with the physical integration of spacecraft onto our launch vehicles. This role demands a collaborative approach, as the engineer will work closely with a multidisciplinary team and engage with both internal and external customers to address technical challenges. In this position, you will perform hands-on payload integration activities, including conducting fit checks, managing dispenser and launch vehicle integration, and assisting in on-site integration planning. You will also provide inputs for the development and verification of Launch Vehicle to Spacecraft Interface Control Documentation (ICD) and create assembly integration instructions. Customer support is a key aspect of this role, as you will be required to answer technical questions and maintain constant communication with engineering staff regarding mechanical and electrical design needs based on mission requirements. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to plan and execute process improvement projects related to payload integration, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of our operations.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on payload integration activities, including fit checks, dispenser, and launch vehicle integration.
• Assist management in on-site integration planning and performance of daily coordination meetings during launch site integration periods.
• Provide inputs for development and verification of Launch Vehicle to Spacecraft Interface Control Documentation (ICD).
• Create and execute assembly integration instructions.
• Provide customer support to answer questions with internal technical staff as required.
• Remain in constant contact with engineering staff regarding mechanical and electrical design needs based on mission requirements for the spacecraft integration.
• Plan and execute process improvement projects related to payload integration.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering or technical discipline - Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace degree preferred and 2+ years of applicable experience for Payload Integration Engineer II; 5+ years for Senior Payload Integration Engineer.
• Active DoD Secret or TS/SCI Clearance.
• Previous launch vehicle or space hardware integration experience including experience with CubeSats, SmallSats, or other small space payloads.
• Understanding and experience working with tooling related to space vehicle integration.
• Demonstrated ability reading mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Experience working with mechanical models in CAD software programs.
• Demonstrated ability performing electrical and mechanical testing.
• Ability to travel up to 50% to launch sites and customer sites including overseas (New Zealand and others).

Nice-to-haves

• Solid presentation and technical writing skills.
• ITAR - knowledge of ITAR requirements and importance of TAA's.
• Solid interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability in understanding technical constraints relative to payload integration.

Benefits

• 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.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Discounted employee stock purchase program.
• Subsidized EV charging stations.
• Onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts.