Full-Time

Launch Systems Engineer

Updated on 11/26/2024

Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab USA

1,001-5,000 employees

Provides launch services and spacecraft solutions

Industrial & Manufacturing
Aerospace

Compensation Overview

$80k - $135kAnnually

+ Company Stock + Cash Incentives

Junior, Mid, Senior

No H1B Sponsorship

Littleton, CO, USA

US Citizenship Required

Category
Embedded Engineering
Software Engineering
Required Skills
Python
MATLAB
Data Analysis
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
  • 2+ years of experience working with launch vehicles (for Launch Systems Engineer II)
  • 5+ years of experience working with launch vehicles (for Senior Launch Systems Engineer)
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD clearance
  • Master’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline (nice to have)
  • Experience with MATLAB, Python, and STK (nice to have)
  • Experience with requirement management tools such as JAMA or DOORS (nice to have)
  • Experience supporting government and commercial launches (nice to have)
  • Experience supporting compliance analysis to AFSPCMAN91-710 range safety requirements (nice to have)
  • Experience with testing mechanical, electrical and propulsion subsystems and assemblies (nice to have)
  • Experience with spacecraft subsystems (nice to have)
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities (nice to have)
  • Active DoD security clearance (nice to have)
Responsibilities
  • Develop and maintain: System requirements and verification techniques
  • Test methods and data analysis for critical components (energy storage, propulsion, etc.)
  • Range safety analysis
  • Define and maintain launch vehicle to spacecraft interfaces (ICD development, inhibit definition)
  • Assist with program and product management in securing and executing on launch integration
  • Develop, in collaboration with team members, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and other design documents

Rocket Lab provides comprehensive space solutions, including launch services, spacecraft components, and satellite management. Their main products are the Electron rocket, 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. Rocket Lab differentiates itself by offering a streamlined approach to accessing space, making it more affordable and efficient for both private and public sector clients. The company's goal is to simplify and enhance the process of reaching space, supporting a wide range of applications from national security to climate monitoring.

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$713.3M

Headquarters

Long Beach, California

Founded

2006

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

11%

1 year growth

36%

2 year growth

77%
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.

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