Test & Launch Operations Operator (Mechanical Engineer II)

Rocket Lab Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,300 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented. About Rocket Lab Rocket Lab is the global leader in small satellite launch. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. There are endless possibilities for what we can achieve with better access to space, and that access is now a reality thanks to Rocket Lab. Collaboration is at our core - every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action-oriented. While other companies talk about it, we do it! About the role As a Test & Launch Operations Operator on the Integrated Operations team at Rocket Lab, you will be responsible for and actively participate in some of the most exciting work at Rocket Lab as you perform critical testing of rocket stages and flight ready launch vehicles up to and including the launch and mission operations. You will also test and prepare related test stands, launch facilities, and tracking assets to ensure they’re ready to support vehicle testing and launch operations. This will include system hot-fire testing at stack test facilities near Auckland, NZ, test and operations at the Rocket Lab Mission Control Centre in Auckland, NZ, and pre-launch and launch operations at Rocket Lab’s LC-1 (Mahia, NZ) and LC-2 (Wallops Island, VA) launch facilities.   Duties and Responsibilities Prepare for and conduct testing, pre-launch operations, and launch operations Define test and operations requirements Prepare test plans and procedures Perform flight vehicle and facility checkouts and readiness testing Troubleshoot and resolve test and operations issues real-time Perform post-test and post-flight data review and analyses Continually improve and streamline integration, testing, and operations Domestic and international travel will be required Required Skills & Experience Self-driven, motivated, and contagiously positive Comfortable and capable working in a highly collaborative team-centric environment Proven communication skills and ability to build strong working relationships Able to maintain situational awareness and real-time communications throughout complex operations Careful work ethic with an eye for detail Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines    Desired Skills & Experience Aerospace, mechanical, electrical, mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent work experience Strong hands-on problem-solving skills Strong technical skills with direct experience in test and/or operations Experience with launch vehicles or spacecraft including integration, testing, launch, or mission operations Experience and/or expertise with electrical systems including one or more of avionics, power, communications, networking, software, data handling, RF, instrumentation, or command & control electronics Experience and/or expertise with mechanical systems including one of more of structures, mechanisms, propulsion, pressurization, hydraulics, pneumatics, HVAC, instrumentation, or command & control systems Important Information 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 http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/regulations_laws/itar.html. Important information: FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S Department of State. 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. 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.