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Full-Time

Lead Recovery Engineer

Updated on 10/1/2024

Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab USA

1,001-5,000 employees

Provides launch services and spacecraft solutions

Aerospace
Defense

Compensation Overview

$107k - $133.8kAnnually

+ Equity + Benefits

Senior, Expert

Long Beach, CA, USA

US Citizenship Required

Category
Space & Rocket Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, naval, marine, electrical, systems or aerospace engineering, or related field
  • 5+ years professional experience designing, building, operating or maintaining complex mechanical, marine or electrical hardware
  • Experience successfully leading a team through a challenging technical project or program
Responsibilities
  • Guide a small team of engineers through the early stages of developing the Neutron Recovery program
  • Own critical Recovery system designs, analysis and other technical details as needed to support the objectives of the team
  • Serve as technical expert for marine system designs required for Neutron Recovery
  • Provide strategy on development plans including what hardware to build and how tests are performed in order to maximize the program’s available resources towards meaningful progress on Neutron
  • Build and maintain relationships with key vendors and contractors as needed through the Recovery system lifecycle
  • Collaborate heavily with Rocket Lab Engineering teams to ensure all systems are operational to support Neutron Recovery
  • Support Recovery system fabrication and testing both remotely and onsite as needed at Wallops Island as well as other facilities

Rocket Lab provides comprehensive space solutions, including launch services, spacecraft components, and satellite management. Their main products are the Electron launch vehicle, which is designed for small satellite launches, and the Photon satellite platform, which supports various missions, including those for NASA. The Electron rocket has gained popularity, becoming the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket since its debut in 2018, successfully delivering over 100 satellites into orbit for various sectors. Rocket Lab differentiates itself from competitors by offering a streamlined approach to accessing space, with multiple launch sites and a focus on affordability and reliability. The company's goal is to make space more accessible and to support a wide range of missions, from national security to scientific exploration.

Company Stage

IPO

Total Funding

$1.5B

Headquarters

Long Beach, California

Founded

2006

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

13%

1 year growth

33%

2 year growth

79%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The expansion in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a $70 million investment and creation of 100 new jobs, indicates strong growth and job opportunities.
  • Significant investments from firms like Verus Capital Partners and Susquehanna Fundamental Investments reflect strong market confidence in Rocket Lab's future.
  • Government funding, including $41 million from the Chips Act and $44 million from New Mexico, bolsters Rocket Lab's financial stability and capacity for innovation.

What critics are saying

  • The competitive landscape of the space industry, with major players like SpaceX, could pressure Rocket Lab to continuously innovate to maintain its market position.
  • Delays or failures in the development of the Neutron launch vehicle could impact Rocket Lab's ability to capture larger payload markets.

What makes Rocket Lab USA unique

  • Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, showcasing a proven track record of reliability and success.
  • The company's Photon spacecraft platform has been selected for high-profile NASA missions, including those to the Moon and Mars, setting it apart from competitors.
  • Rocket Lab's dual launch sites in New Zealand and Virginia provide operational flexibility and increased launch frequency, a strategic advantage over competitors with fewer launch sites.