Senior Integration & Test Engineer I

ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.
SPACE SYSTEMS
At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.
Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.
SENIOR INTEGRATION & TEST ENGINEER I
Based out of Rocket Lab's Pasadena, CA office, the Senior Integration & Test Engineer I is responsible for the integration, test, and verification of flight mechatronic and motion systems, including motor control electronics, actuators, motors, and mechanisms, from the component level through subsystem and spacecraft integration, as well as the development, maintenance, and upgrading of the test systems for that hardware. You will support senior engineering staff within the Space Systems organization and report to internal leadership.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
Lead and own integration and test campaigns for flight motion systems at various levels of assembly, from actuators and mechanisms through subsystem and spacecraft
Integrate and test motor control electronics with motors, actuators, and mechanisms, including closed-loop performance characterization (torque, speed, position, and current loop behavior)
Work collaboratively with design, controls, and systems engineers to define requirements, as well as verification and validation (V&V) plans and requirements compliance
Develop and present materials for customer and company stakeholder reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR
Develop acceptance, qualification, and R&D test plans and procedures for flight mechanisms and motion systems
Plan and execute environmental qualification and acceptance testing (Vibe, Shock, TVAC, Thermal, EMI/EMC, etc.), including functional and performance testing before, during, and after environmental exposure
Develop, maintain, and operate mechanical and electrical ground support equipment, such as motor/load test stands, dynamometers, and test fixtures
Develop and maintain test automation and data acquisition for motion systems; interface with ground test software and implement flight software configuration changes
Lead investigations into anomalous mechanism and motor control behavior, driving root cause and corrective action
Interface with hardware-in-the-loop test systems
QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING:
Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, mechatronics, aerospace, or other engineering degree
5+ years of experience in a test engineering or other hands-on engineering role
Hands-on mechatronics experience integrating and testing motor control electronics, motors, actuators, or mechanisms
Working knowledge of brushless DC, permanent magnet synchronous, or stepper motors, their drive electronics, and feedback sensors such as encoders, resolvers, and Hall sensors
Experience with environmental testing, such as thermal vacuum or random vibration testing
Proficiency with C, C++, Python, or MATLAB; and Windows 10 and Microsoft Office products
Experience in writing technical documentation, such as procedures, reports, and requirements
U.S. citizenship due to program requirements
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Experience integrating and testing flight systems for spacecraft, launch vehicles, or other aerospace platforms
Experience with precision motion systems, such as gimbals, robotic arms, pointing mechanisms, deployment mechanisms, or reaction wheels
Experience on hardware that has completed formal qualification and acceptance testing and a full V&V lifecycle
Understanding of control systems fundamentals and motor control techniques, such as field-oriented control and current, velocity, and position loop tuning
Experience working in a clean room and with ESD-sensitive equipment
Hands-on experience using electrical test equipment (PSU, Oscilloscope, DMM, Power Analyzer, Current Probes, etc.)
Exposure to designing and implementing test systems for electromechanical hardware
Understanding of sensors, signal conditioning and data acquisition electronics
Experience with 3D CAD and ECAD software, preferably SolidWorks and Altium
Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.
Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.
Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Total Compensation (base and equity)
$129,075—$171,675 USD
Base Salary
$108,800—$136,000 USD
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