Full-Time
Posted on 5/22/2025
Launch services, spacecraft, and on-orbit solutions
$115k - $155k/yr
Long Beach, CA, USA
In Person
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Rocket Lab provides end-to-end space services, including designing and manufacturing space hardware, launch services, satellites, and on-orbit management solutions. Its Electron rocket carries small satellites into orbit, Photon is a satellite platform for payloads, and Neutron is a larger launcher in development. It stands out through a proven mission track record, frequent launches, multiple launch sites, and an integrated suite of rockets, satellite platforms, and on-orbit services. The goal is to make space access faster, easier, and more affordable for governments and commercial customers across national security, science, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Long Beach, California
Founded
2006
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Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Flexible Spending Account
Company Equity
Wellness Program
Phone/Internet Stipend
Childcare Support
Gym Membership
Employee Discounts
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Professional Development Budget
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Flexible Work Hours
Hybrid Work Options
Rocket Lab has introduced Gauss, a new electric satellite thruster designed for high-volume production to meet growing demand from commercial and national security constellations. The company has established a production line capable of manufacturing over 200 thrusters annually. The in-house designed system includes a Hall Thruster, Power Processing Unit and Propellant Management Assembly. Gauss delivers higher specific impulse than traditional chemical propulsion, enabling more thrust per unit of propellant whilst requiring less fuel onboard. Founded by Sir Peter Beck, Rocket Lab aims to address supply chain constraints that have historically plagued electric propulsion production. The thruster is suited for prolonged missions including deep space exploration and satellite station-keeping. Gauss joins Rocket Lab's existing propulsion systems, including the Rutherford, Archimedes and Curie engines.
Rocket Lab has won a $390,936 NASA study contract for Mars telecommunications architecture and is competing for a $700 million programme to build a dedicated communications network supporting sample returns and crewed Mars missions through 2035. The company was the sole awardee of the study contract. NASA's ageing Mars relay satellites struggle with growing data traffic, making the Mars Telecommunications Network critical infrastructure. Rocket Lab has proposed its Mars Telecommunications Orbiter, a laser communication satellite in aerosynchronous orbit. The company's delivery of twin ESCAPADE orbiters currently operating at Mars strengthens its bid against competitors including SpaceX, Blue Origin and Northrop Grumman. The award decision is expected by September, with a 2028 launch deadline. Rocket Lab's 2025 revenue reached $602 million, up 38%, with backlog exceeding $2 billion.
Rocket Lab has completed its at-the-market equity offering programme, raising approximately $474 million in gross proceeds through the sale of 6.73 million shares. The company had filed to offer up to $1 billion in common stock on 17 March 2026. Additionally, Rocket Lab entered into collared forward transactions involving 7.45 million shares, with expected proceeds between $474 million and $642 million. These transactions are scheduled to mature in April 2028, with actual proceeds depending on settlement terms and pricing conditions. The global launch services and space systems provider intends to use the net proceeds to fund future growth, including potential acquisitions, and for general corporate and working capital purposes.
Rocket Lab has posted record full-year 2025 revenue of $602 million, up 38%, with GAAP gross margins reaching 38% and backlog expanding 73% to $1.85 billion. The company recently secured regulatory approval to acquire Mynaric for laser communications and won defence contracts exceeding $1 billion, including an $816 million prime contract for missile-warning satellites. SpaceX's confidential IPO filing at a targeted $1.75 trillion valuation has lifted space sector stocks broadly. However, Rocket Lab stands out as the only publicly traded company with vertical integration spanning launch services, spacecraft production and communications hardware. Fourth-quarter revenue reached $180 million, exceeding consensus estimates of $178 million. The company's Electron rocket has completed nearly three dozen successful missions, whilst Space Systems contributed $402.8 million, representing 67% of total revenue.
Rocket Lab has secured strong government demand and a $1.85 billion backlog, with management expecting 37% to convert within 12 months. The company flew three HASTE hypersonic missions in 2025 and won an SDA Tranche III Tracking Layer prime contract in the fourth quarter, adding multi-year visibility. However, execution risks persist. The first Neutron launch has been delayed to the fourth quarter of 2026 following a January tank rupture. Space Systems generated $402.8 million, or 66.9% of total revenue in 2025, but the revenue mix is compressing margins. Management guided first-quarter 2026 GAAP gross margin to 34-36%. Early Neutron flights are expected to carry low or negative gross margins, extending the period where losses remain likely despite long-term growth potential.