Senior Test Engineer - Neutron

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 1,500 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. Life at Rocket Lab NEUTRON Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program. If you're interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with clean sheet development of a reusable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity! SENIOR TEST ENGINEER - NEUTRON Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Test Engineer   is responsible for bringing test stands into the real world and assuring they meet the stringent requirements needed for the Neutron program. You will support the Director of Manufacturing and Fluid Systems organization by standing up a new test stands, supporting component designs early and leading assembly and testing of Neutron stands. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Lead design & build of the Neutron & Archimedes test area in Long Beach Develop software for environmental testing and simulation Own assembly, checkouts and development testing of Neutron testing stands Develop the procedures & processes for component/engine tests that will form the baseline for the Neutron program into the future Lead problem containment and root cause/corrective action investigations, when required Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances Collaborate with the quality team to identify and drive quality-related initiatives and improvements Perform structured root cause analysis of in-process failures Liaison between production, quality, supply chain and design engineering staff for complex problem solving and process changes Identify, plan and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet production requirements, including preparation of business cases Lead the continuous improvement process via Lean/Six Sigma tools and techniques Develop, introduce, and maintain new planning, production, quality, ERP, data collection and analysis, and other processes where none exist QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or other technical field 5+ years experience troubleshooting valves, actuators, regulators or similar fluid components during assembly, functional checkouts or while undergoing development and qualification testing Experience developing and building safe, high pressure, pneumatic, hydrostatic, and cryogenic test stands Experience with instrumentation, controls, and data acquisition systems THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Master's or PhD in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or other technical field Experience with aerospace component design, build & testing Previous history of planning, building, activating & operating component test stands for development, qualification and production acceptance testing Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes common to fluid components Experience with LabVIEW, Python, C, C++, MATLAB Extensive experience using fundamentals of fluid and structural mechanics to solve component issues in a fast-paced environment The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.  In addition to base salary, Rocket Lab offers a comprehensive total compensation package based on individual qualifications and experience, which may include cash or equity incentives. Employees will also be eligible for medical, dental, vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plan options, and to purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Base Pay Range (CA Only) $110,000 — $135,000 USD 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 Biow 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.