Jobs at Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is a private aerospace manufacturer that pioneered the Electron rocket, delivering payloads to orbit for commercial and research clients worldwide. The company blends advanced propulsion, lightweight composite structures, and rapid launch cadence to reduce costs and increase access to space.
Rocket Lab hires across engineering, software, manufacturing, launch operations, systems integration, and business development. Candidates can expect project‑driven work, hands‑on build environments, and opportunities to influence product design from concept to launch. Remote or on‑site roles are offered with flexible schedules to support diverse talent pools.
Using Job Transparency for Rocket Lab listings exposes you to real salary ranges, employee sentiment, and hiring velocity. This data empowers you to negotiate offers, benchmark against peer companies, and identify growth areas before you apply.
Principal Engineer, Composites
Company: Rocket Lab
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Posted Oct 22, 2023
Rocket Lab is a growing company offering opportunities in small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. They are expanding into an end-to-end space company with Photon satellites, and are vertically integrating their spacecraft solutions. The company values collaboration, nimbleness, and action orientation. They are seeking a Principal Engineer in Composites with 10+ years of experience in composites manufacturing engineering, hands-on experience in design, analyzing, manufacturing, and testing composite space hardware, and proficiency in SolidWorks.
Senior Test Engineer - Neutron
Company: Rocket Lab
Location: Greater LA Area
Posted Oct 20, 2023
Rocket Lab, a leading provider of small launch services, is seeking a Senior Test Engineer for its Neutron program. The role involves leading the design and build of the Neutron and Archimedes test area in Long Beach, developing software for environmental testing and simulation, and assuring test stands meet stringent requirements. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, 5+ years of experience in troubleshooting fluid components, and experience in developing and building safe test stands. Additional qualifications include experience with instrumentation, controls, and data acquisition systems, and knowledge of manufacturing processes common to fluid components.
R&D Engineer II
Company: Rocket Lab
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Posted Oct 18, 2023
Rocket Lab is a growing company offering opportunities in small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. They are expanding into an end-to-end space company with Photon satellites, enabling missions for NASA and commercial customers. The R&D Engineer II position in Albuquerque involves designing, building, and testing space hardware, developing space solar power technology, and participating in hardware design projects. The company offers competitive benefits and is located in Albuquerque, NM, known for its outdoor activities and cultural centers.
Business Development Manager, Software Products
Company: Rocket Lab
Location: Greater Denver Area
Posted Oct 21, 2023
Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. The company is growing its team and is looking for a Business Development Manager to manage all business development activities for software products.
Senior MOCVD Engineer
Company: Rocket Lab
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Posted Oct 18, 2023
Rocket Lab is a growing company offering a unique opportunity for a Senior MOCVD Engineer, R&D to work on developing cutting-edge space solar cell products in Albuquerque, NM. The successful candidate will support the Cell Fab R&D team and Space Systems organization, contributing to Rocket Lab's evolution into an end-to-end space company. The role requires a strong background in III-V semiconductor growth and materials characterization, with benefits including relocation assistance, healthcare, and a competitive salary.
Senior DevOps Engineer
Company: Rocket Lab
Location: Greater LA Area
Posted Oct 18, 2023
Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior DevOps Engineer to join their team in Long Beach, CA. The role involves designing, developing, and maintaining software infrastructure for spacecraft testing. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, 2+ years of DevOps Engineering experience, and proficiency in Python, Git, Jira, CI/CD, Kubernetes, C, C++, and/or C#. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components, with a mission to open access to space to improve life on Earth.
Senior Ground Software Engineer- Front End
Company: Rocket Lab
Location: Greater Denver Area
Posted Oct 17, 2023
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 [email protected] dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. 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. 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 (CO Only)$120,000—$155,000 USDImportant 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. The Space Systems Division is shaping Rocket Lab’s future with Photon, our brand of high-performance satellites, enabling innovative missions in low Earth orbit and beyond including missions for NASA to LEO, the Moon, and Mars and commercial customers, including leading the design and manufacture of 17 high-power telecommunication spacecraft buses for Globalstar.Rocket Lab is also growing our spacecraft components business, anchored on the acquisition of Sinclair Interplanetary manufacturing reaction wheels and star trackers in Toronto, SolAero Technologies manufacturing solar power and primary structure solutions in Albuquerque, Planetary Systems Corporation manufacturing launch separation systems in Silver Spring, and Advanced Solutions, Inc., provider of flight and ground software as a service in Denver. Our components business is key to vertically integrating our spacecraft solutions and enabling constellations for customers. SENIOR GROUND SOFTWARE ENGINEER- FRONT ENDBased out of Rocket Lab’s ASI site in Littleton, Colorado, the Senior Ground Software Engineer- Front End is responsible for developing cutting-edge spacecraft ground software for our various Space Systems missions, and for providing ground system development and support for internal and external customers. You will support the Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:Develop and evolve web-based software architecture for spacecraft operationsWork closely with flight software developers, operations personnel, and systems engineers to understand requirements and functional needsWork across multiple teams to help drive the front end development efforts across web applicationsLead the UI/UX development for Rocket Lab’s Ground Data SystemYOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS (Note: you must meet every qualification in order to be considered):Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline5+ years of software development experience5+ years of relevant work experience developing in a modern JavaScript framework (Angular preferred)Ability to write clear, well-tested, and well-documented softwareTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:Master's degree in engineering or other technical disciplineExperience with TypescriptExperience leading complete system development efforts with a teamExperience with module federation of micro front endsExperience with front end state management systems (NgRx, Redux etc. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented.SPACE SYSTEMSThis is a rare opportunity to play a key role in Rocket Lab’s evolution into an end-to-end space company that delivers launch, spacecraft, and on-orbit operations. )Experience with a front end testing framework (Jasmin, Karma, Cypress)Experience with Git or other version control systemsExperience with OAuth authentication flowsExperience with REST and WebSocketsExperience building and maintaining component libraries used across teamsExperience and understanding of material design conceptsThe expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference.
Buyer II
Company: Rocket Lab
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Posted Oct 21, 2023
Rocket Lab is seeking a Buyer II to build and sustain a supply chain, negotiate pricing, and manage suppliers. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, supply chain, or a related field, and 2+ years of related experience. Proficiency in MS Office, ERP systems, math, and statistics is required. Experience with AS9100, ITAR export controls, EAR, and FAR is preferred. The role involves placing purchase orders, sourcing for new design releases, and ensuring supplier master data accuracy. The candidate will work in a cross-functional team environment and be accountable for mitigating supply constraints that may impact production schedules.
Business Development Director, Software Products
Company: Rocket Lab
Location: Greater Denver Area
Posted Oct 21, 2023
Rocket Lab is seeking a Business Development Director for software products based in Littleton, CO. The role involves leading the software products business development, generating and executing sales, developing sales plans, collaborating with various teams, conducting market research, and growing existing and new business opportunities. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, 10+ years of experience in the aerospace or defense industry, and experience with satellite flight or ground software products. Additional qualifications include a Master's degree, specialization in US government business development, and a demonstrable record of success in business development, sales, program management, and engineering of satellite software products.
Senior IT Systems Engineer - Cybersecurity
Company: Rocket Lab
Location: Greater LA Area
Posted Oct 22, 2023
Rocket Lab, a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components, is seeking a Senior IT Systems Engineer - Cybersecurity. The role involves implementing, administering, and operating IT Infrastructure and Cybersecurity technologies at their Long Beach, CA headquarters. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of IT experience, expert knowledge in Cybersecurity frameworks, and a bachelor's degree or equivalent. They will enable Rocket Lab engineers to develop next-generation rockets and space systems, provide subject matter expertise, and lead upgrades and maintenance. The role offers a comprehensive total compensation package, including benefits and potential equity incentives.
Software Engineer II - Web
Company: Rocket Lab
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Posted Oct 18, 2023
Rocket Lab, a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components, is seeking a Software Engineer II - Web. The role involves developing and supporting web applications, working with teams in Engineering, Manufacturing, and Corporate functions, and providing engineering support for application issues. The ideal candidate should have 3+ years of professional software engineering experience, knowledge of TypeScript/JavaScript, relational database and REST API design skills, and experience with Angular or other frontend frameworks. Additional qualifications include experience in an agile software development environment, T-SQL, Node.js, and familiarity with containers, particularly Kubernetes and Docker. The role requires the ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours, and work extended hours and/or weekends as needed.
Recovery Engineer II
Company: Rocket Lab
Location: Washington DC
Posted Oct 17, 2023
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 [email protected] dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. 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. You will interface with critical teams within the Neutron development team including Ground Systems, GNC, Software, Avionics, Mechanical Systems and Propulsion. Your team will be responsible for successful Neutron Recovery program designs and hardware to enable development, testing, flight, and recovery. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Work as a part of a team of engineers through the early stages of developing the Neutron Recovery programOwn critical Recovery system designs, analysis and other technical details as needed to support the objectives of the teamServe as technical expert for marine system designs & recovered flight hardware post processing required for Neutron RecoveryDevelop technical details to for Recovery designs including what hardware to build and how tests are performed in order to maximize the program’s available resources towards meaningful progress on NeutronCollaborate heavily with Rocket Lab Engineering teams to ensure all systems are operational to support Neutron RecoverySupport Recovery system fabrication and testing both remotely and onsite as needed at Wallops Island as well as other facilitiesYOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, naval, marine, electrical, systems or aerospace engineering, or related field2+ years professional experience designing, building, operating or maintaining complex mechanical, marine or electrical hardwareExperience successfully leading a team through a challenging technical project or programTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 2+ years professional experience in Maritime or Aerospace fieldExperience designing and building complex, multi-disciplinary systems including;Electrical, Mechanical, Hydraulic, Fluids, or Marine SystemsExperience working with teams of engineers to successful outcomes on challenging projects with tight timelines and budgetsPast work experience, internships, or projects related to aerospace vehicles/payloads, automotive, aircraft, or marine assembliesSelf-motivated and directed with keen attention to detailOngoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of workDetail oriented, organized, and demonstrate a high sense of urgencyAbility to work in fast-paced, high stress and remote environmentsAbility to work autonomously, prioritize work, and make resource allocation recommendations that involve risk and uncertaintyImportant 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. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented.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 and pushing the boundaries of humanity with a clean sheet, reusable launch vehicle, this is your opportunity! RECOVERY ENGINEER IIThe Recovery Engineer position will initially be based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. This person will develop a high performing team that is responsible for the design and development of all offshore Recovery assets needed to support Neutron downrange Recovery. Our team is over 1,500 people strong and we’re adding to it every week.