NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

LEAD RECOVERY ENGINEER

The Lead Recovery Engineer position will initially be based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA. This person will develop a high performing team that is responsible for the design and development of all offshore Recovery assets needed to support Neutron downrange landings. You will interface with critical teams within the Neutron development team including Ground Systems, GNC, Software, Avionics, Mechanical Systems and Propulsion. Your team will be responsible for successful Neutron Recovery program designs and hardware to enable development, testing, flight, and recovery. 

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Guide a small team of engineers through the early stages of developing the Neutron Recovery program
• Own critical Recovery system designs, analysis and other technical details as needed to support the objectives of the team
• Serve as technical expert for marine system designs required for Neutron Recovery
• Provide strategy on development plans including what hardware to build and how tests are performed in order to maximize the program’s available resources towards meaningful progress on Neutron
• Build and maintain relationships with key vendors and contractors as needed through the Recovery system lifecycle
• Collaborate heavily with Rocket Lab Engineering teams to ensure all systems are operational to support Neutron Recovery
• Support Recovery system fabrication and testing both remotely and onsite as needed at Wallops Island as well as other facilities

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, naval, marine, electrical, systems or aerospace engineering, or related field
• 5 years professional experience designing, building, operating or maintaining complex mechanical, marine or electrical hardware
• Experience successfully leading a team through a challenging technical project or program

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 5 years professional experience in Maritime or Aerospace field
• Experience designing and building complex, multi-disciplinary systems including;
• Electrical, Mechanical, Hydraulic, Fluids, or Marine Systems
• Experience leading teams of engineers to successful outcomes on challenging projects with tight timelines and budgets
• Past work experience, internships, or projects related to aerospace vehicles/payloads, automotive, aircraft, or marine assemblies
• Self-motivated and directed with keen attention to detail
• Ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work
• Detail oriented, organized, and demonstrate a high sense of urgency
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high stress and remote environments
• Ability to work autonomously, prioritize work, and make resource allocation recommendations that involve risk and uncertainty

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.