Senior Facilities Engineer

Overview

Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and new technology demonstrations.

Senior Facilities Engineer – Neutron Manufacturing Facility (Baltimore, MD)

Based at Rocket Lab’s Neutron manufacturing facility in Baltimore, MD, the Senior Facilities Engineer will play a critical role in designing, implementing, and optimizing the infrastructure required to support Neutron’s advanced manufacturing processes. This position focuses on ensuring the seamless integration of facilities systems with production requirements, enabling efficient operations for low‑flow, high‑mix production environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement factory layouts, equipment selection, and commissioning plans to support production needs.
• Translate manufacturing and process requirements into facilities specifications, including electrical load, HVAC, utilities (air, nitrogen, vacuum), and other critical systems.
• Plan, justify, and execute capital projects for facility upgrades, equipment installations, and layout improvements to meet production volume requirements.
• Prepare business cases for capital investments and oversee their implementation.
• Apply Lean principles to facilities design and production system development, ensuring efficient use of space, manpower, and resources.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to introduce automation and ensure seamless integration with MRP and quality systems.
• Work closely with manufacturing, industrial engineering, and production teams to align facilities systems with operational goals.
• Support Value Stream Mapping exercises, Method of Manufacture plans, and cell design processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (preferably Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace).
• 5+ years of experience in facilities engineering or manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience designing, implementing, and supporting production facilities and infrastructure.
• Proficiency with CAD systems such as NX or SolidWorks.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies.

Nice to Have

• Advanced engineering degree (preferably Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace).
• 8+ years of experience in facilities engineering or related roles.
• Experience transitioning products from design to production in fast‑paced, iterative environments.
• Knowledge of composites manufacturing processes.
• Experience with heavy equipment, large‑scale lifting operations, and structural assembly.

Additional Requirements

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

Salary

Base Pay Range (MD Only): $108,000 – $135,000 USD.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Benefits

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include discounted employee stock purchase program, and free snacks/drinks onsite.

Expectations

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and a relentless commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. We pride ourselves on checking our egos at the door, supporting each other, and thriving under pressure.

Eligibility (U.S. 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, 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview.