Lead Equipment Engineer

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 to 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

EQUIPMENT ENGINEER, LEAD

Based out of Rocket Lab’s site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Equipment Engineer, Lead will take ownership of coordinating with Facilities and Equipment Services to create installation project summaries and operational work instructions for all assigned new equipment. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Equipment engineers are responsible for the full lifecycle of machinery and equipment, including design, installation, maintenance, and performance optimization
• Design and develop equipment systems and components tailored to industrial or manufacturing requirements
• Prepare detailed technical specifications, engineering drawings, and schematics for manufacturing and assembly
• Oversee the installation, testing, and commissioning of equipment to ensure proper functionality
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, implement corrective actions, and perform preventive maintenance  
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, maintenance, and vendors, to ensure equipment meets safety and performance standards.
• Monitor equipment performance, conduct evaluations, and implement upgrades to optimize efficiency
• Create technician training documents for SOP’s

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS AN EQUIPMENT ENGINEER, LEAD:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of experience in the semiconductor industry
• 5+ years of experience in a production or other highly regulated manufacturing environment
• 5+ years of experience in facilities and equipment engineering

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Takes initiative and works independently
• Remains calm under pressure and communicates effectively
• Demonstrated success in planning, directing, and implementing complex projects on time, within budget, and with desired functionality
• Ability to maintain a broad focus while paying attention to detail and managing multiple tasks simultaneously
• Proven ability to work effectively with all levels of the organization, including staff, business stakeholders, and management
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present to an executive audience
• Excellent conflict resolution, negotiation, and influencing skills
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic, and ambiguous environments
• Proven experience with project management methodologies
• Highly organized and detail oriented

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. 

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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This 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.