Lead, Vehicle Integration Engineer

NEUTRON  

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a cost-effective and highly reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with Electron and Space Systems programs. 

LEAD, VEHICLE INTEGRATION ENGINEER 

The Lead Vehicle Integration Engineer is responsible for delivering integrated vehicle modules to the vehicle integration facility and launch pad at Wallops Island. This position will lead a team of vehicle integration engineers and work with a team of technicians to plan, execute, and record integration activities in addition to performing integrated systems testing.   

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

• Develop plans for assembly and integration of vehicle components and systems including fluid systems, avionics, structures and mechanisms, thermal protection, and flight termination.  
• Oversee and maintain scheduling of work cell activities on a weekly timescale and ensure alignment with high level programmatic milestones
• Coordinate with supporting teams such as GSE (Ground Systems Engineering) and GST (General Support Technicians) to ensure tooling, fixturing, lift equipment, and work platforms are ready and available for integration and test activities.  
• Manage resources across different vehicle modules to best align with program milestones.  Coordinate with other leads such as Development, Manufacturing Engineering, and Ground Systems Engineering to manage resources across the program.  
• Mentor and develop team members to exemplify Rocket Lab’s core values while leading by example
• Provide technical guidance on developing work instructions, best technical practices, and contribute to developing curriculum for internal training programs
• Develop work cell layouts to ensure efficient flow of materials, best use of floor space, and appropriate communication between engineers and technicians  
• Plan and execute integrated system testing for sub-assemblies and module level integrated systems.  
• Contribute, develop, and own documentation to support internal quality systems and change management systems 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering required
• 5+ years of experience in building and testing hardware associated with launch vehicles or spacecraft
• Demonstrated proficiency in planning and executing a complex engineering project or program
• Proven ability to interface with multidisciplinary functions of mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

• Master of Science degree in aerospace, mechanical, or manufacturing or equivalent
• Experience and demonstrated proficiency in developing and implementing comprehensive work instructions and test procedures
• Experience identifying, documenting, and resolving non-conformances, implementing engineering changes, and managing complex configurations  
• Experience working directly with launch vehicle and/or launch vehicle hardware and subsystems including, avionics, high pressure gas, structures, electrical, and mechanical
• Demonstrated experience of Project Management principles in previous job experience(s) 

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