Senior Payload Integration Engineer I

Senior Payload Integration Engineer IRocket Lab is seeking an experienced payload integration engineer with previous launch vehicle or spacecraft integration experience. This role will work under the direction of the Team Lead for Payload Integration. The candidate must have demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: spacecraft or launch vehicle integration, systems engineering, and/or electrical/mechanical systems.This candidate will interface with spacecraft customer integration teams and direct and perform tasks associated with the physical payload integration to the Electron and HASTE launch vehicle.

This role requires a candidate who works well with a multidisciplinary team and can hold their own when presented with technical challenges in front of both internal and external customers. The position is based in Long Beach, CA at Rocket Lab Headquarters, but requires frequent travel to customers and launch sites worldwide.Performs hands-on payload integration activities, including fit checks, dispenser, and launch vehicle integrationAssists management in on-site integration planning and performance of daily coordination meetings during launch site integration periods.Provides inputs for development and verification of Launch Vehicle to Spacecraft Interface Control Documentation (ICD)Ability to create and execute assembly integration and test instructionsProvide customer support to answer questions with internal technical staff as requiredRemain in constant contact with engineering staff regarding mechanical and electrical design needs based on mission requirements for the spacecraft integration.Bachelor's degree in an engineering or technical discipline and 5+years of applicable experienceActive US Government security clearance Secret or TS/SCIPrevious launch vehicle or space hardware integration experienceDemonstrated ability to understand technical constraints relative to payload integrationAdvanced presentation and technical writing skillsAbility to travel to launch sites and customer sites including overseas (New Zealand and others)Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace degree preferredSolid interpersonal and organizational skillsExperience with CubeSats, SmallSats, or other small space payloadsAbility to read mechanical and electrical drawingsAbility to perform electrical and mechanical testingSpecific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focusRegularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writingMust be physically able to commute to buildingsOccasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise