Senior Configuration Management Engineer

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

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Rocket Lab seeks a Senior Configuration Management Engineer to help build the Neutron: Rocket Lab’s medium lift, reusable launch vehicle capable of human spaceflight.

As a Senior Configuration Management Engineer, you will guide a set of multi-disciplinary teams to align Neutron’s portfolio of products with the program’s strategy; functional, performance, and safety requirements; and technical maturity phases.

Configuration Management Engineers combine technical excellence with strengths in technical planning and communication.

• You will combine technical expertise in fluid systems, structures, mechanisms and/or propulsion with a broader awareness of several other launch vehicle disciplines such as avionics hardware, avionics software, GNC, and/or Radio Communications. Ideally, you have direct experience in the development, integration, and operation of launch systems.
• You will be adept at managing to a plan, and comfortable adjusting in response to evolving requirements or external constraints.
• You will be able to clearly describe Neutron’s architecture to internal and external customers, and to inspire a team to deliver this vision.

DAY TO DAY YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES COULD INCLUDE:

• Driving our Engineering Change Process (ECR & ECN), working closely with design engineers, manufacturing engineers, planners, and our production team.
• Establish, guide, and maintain our Engineering and Manufacturing Bill of Materials (eBOM, mBOM), working cross-functionally to ensure our Master Data remains up to date, and the team are aligned across a common set of release targets for both development testing and our flight manifest.
• Contribute to planning and project coordination across the program in order to implement design changes and process improvement activities.
• Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to allow projects to proceed at pace.
• Mentor and technically assist other engineers.

Successful candidates in this role will thrive in ambiguity, and are excited to work in a small, high performing team focused on continued learning and growth. This position is ideal for an experienced, multidisciplinary engineer keen to support a complex project from conceptual design through to integration and launch.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years industry experience in a relevant technical field (i.e. Structures, Fluid Systems, Mechanisms, Propulsion).
• Demonstrated experience in delivering complex multidisciplinary systems with hardware, embedded software, application software and mechanical components.
• Proven track record of technical leadership and mentorship on projects from concept to completion.
• Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and engineering professionals.
• The ability to work to tight deadlines within a high-pressure environment.
• Strong desire to learn new material in order to solve difficult, ambiguous challenges.
• Working knowledge of Engineering design, CAD, Engineering drawings, manufacturing processes.
• Strong understanding of the Engineering Change Process and associated Configuration Management.
• PDM and other CAD file database experience.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Understanding of Engineering change and associated part numbering and revision schemes.
• Working knowledge of SQL Databases.
• ERP Experience.

If the above sounds like you, apply now

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.

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.

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 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.