Propulsion Automation

Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,500 people strong and we're adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented.

Life at Rocket Lab

About the role

Rocket Lab operates two propulsion test facilities in the Waikato region used to assess various

propulsion products flight worthiness. The test cells within these facilities require onsite support

and automation to improve both the rate and quality of output, as well as continuous

improvement to the software tooling used in test analysis.

The purpose of the Propulsion Automation & Test Systems Engineer is to drive a fiercely efficient

production test process with the aim to increase total cell throughput without compromise on

quality or safety of the testing processes. The scope of the role will primarily be automation of

both physical tasks and administrative tasks in the testing sequence through application of

software knowledge and integration of the test systems with the wider business information

systems.

The Propulsion Automation & Test Systems Engineer will be based onsite at PTC and will be

responsible for the system setup, configuration, improvement, and maintenance of all test

systems at the Propulsion Test Complex (PTC) including software tools and architecture for data

capture, processing, and analysis. The position will require a broad range of knowledge across

software systems including PLC, SQL, TestStand and the National Instruments ecosystem as well

as an understanding of electrical, mechanical, and fluid systems.

Bachelor's Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering or demonstrated equivalent level of knowledge.

Experience working directly with Engineering or R&D teams.

Clear and confident verbal and written communication skills.

Excellent problem-solving ability.

Can work alone at remote sites and has a "can do" attitude.

Linux-based systems.

Acquisition and processing of data signals

Desired Skills

• Preparing and maintaining test plans and test cases in accordance with engineer specifications.
• National Instruments ecosystem
  • Test Stand
  • Flexlogger
• SQL and Postgres.
• PLC programming
• Networking and firewalls.
• GUI design and implementation
• Application and measurement of various instruments including
  • Pressure sensors
  • Thermocouples
  • Strain gauges
  • Load cells
  • Accelerometers
  • Voltage/Current
• Serial communications

Rocket Lab Employee Benefits:

• The opportunity to work on innovative and ground breaking technology
• Access to world leading experts to develop your career
• Unlimited barista coffee, fruit and snacks
• Discounted health insurance with Southern Cross
• Additional parental leave entitlements
• A vibrant team culture with social activities throughout the year
• An employee stock purchase program

Important Information
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

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen as defined by ITAR (22 CFR § or eligible to obtain the required authorizations fromthe U.S Department of State.

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 Biow at 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 hereITAR Regulations.