ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.
Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!
SPACE SYSTEMS
Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.
SENIOR CONTROLS ENGINEER I/II
Based at Rocket Lab’s facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico the Senior Controls Engineer I/II is responsible for designing, developing software for, and integrating controls and SCADA equipment. You will support the Operations Technology Manager and both R&D and production organizations, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!
(Please note: this role can be hired at the Senior Controls Engineer I or Senior Controls Engineer II level.)
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Work with an outstanding team of individuals, making products to power the next generation of spacecraft on orbit and beyond
- Support Integration and ongoing operation of complex semiconductor, panel and mechanism, manufacturing lines
- Contribute your knowledge and skillset to a market leading company
- Daily tasks will include designing and developing software for control systems and SCADA equipment, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
- You will be heavily involved in the integration of controls systems and SCADA equipment with existing and new operational technologies.
- Provide technical support and assistance to the Operations Technology Manager in various capacity, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
- Work closely with the R&D and production teams to ensure that control systems are accurately designed and implemented to meet the specific needs of ongoing projects.
- Daily activities will involve troubleshooting and solving complex issues in control systems and SCADA equipment, aiming to achieve innovative solutions for challenging projects.
- Engage with a team of dedicated professionals, contributing to a collaborative environment focused on achieving project goals and advancing space technology.
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR CONTROLS ENGINEER I:
- Bachelors degree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical or any relevant engineering field
- 5+ years of experience in control system design and implementation in a production or any highly regulated manufacturing environment
- Experience developing software related to measurement and control.
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR CONTROLS ENGINEER II:
- Bachelors degree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical or any relevant engineering field
- 8+ years of experience in control system design and implementation in a production or any highly regulated manufacturing environment
- Experience developing software related to measurement and control.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Masters degree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical or any relevant engineering field
- 10+ years of experience in control system design and implementation in a production or any highly regulated manufacturing environment
- SCADA programing and integration – Ignition and Perspective design experience preferred.
- Software design and documentation experience
- PLC programming experience with Productivity Suite or Allen Bradley or Siemens
- CAD experience in schematic capture and design documentation
- Industrial Networking experience
- Python programming experience
- C# multithreaded real-time program/application maintenance
- Experience with LabVIEW and LabVIEW Realtime programming
- IT/OT security and networking knowledge
- Robotics Experience – UR Cobot, Fanuc
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.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US 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 (i.e., current Green Card holder), 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. Learn more about ITAR here.
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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States’ International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.
