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Integrated Operations Engineer II

rocketlabAuckland, NZ


No Relocation

Posted: January 27, 2026

Job Description

INTEGRATED OPERATIONS ENGINEER II – TEAM X 

Integrated Operations is the Rocket Lab organisation responsible for Electron launch vehicle and Photon testing and operations starting with stack testing through pre-launch processing, launch, on-orbit operations, and mission disposal.  Testing and operations may be conducted remotely or on-site at propulsion test facilities (MTC, PTC), the Auckland Mission Control Centre (MCC), LC-1 (Mahia), LC-2 (Wallops Island, VA), or other designated locations. Be at the forefront of testing, launching, and managing Electron launch vehicles. 

The Engineer I is an intermediate role in Integrated Operations. The Engineer I will have a working understanding of various disciplines related to testing and operations. The Engineer I will be skilled in one of more operational roles and function independently in these roles during the conduct of testing and operations. The Engineer I will actively contribute to Integrated Operations projects and process/tool development efforts, including accountability for key elements of these efforts. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Prepare for and conduct testing, pre-launch operations, and launch operations.
  • Define test and operations requirements.
  • Develop, coordinate, and execute plans and procedures to efficiently, effectively, and safely conduct testing, operations, and flight.
  • Conduct test and operations on-console (while maintaining situational awareness and real-time communications throughout test and operations activities).
  • Troubleshoot and resolve test and operations issues real-time.
  • Perform failure investigations and root cause analyses sufficient to prevent recurrence of issues.
  • Perform post-test and post-flight data review and analyses.
  • Continually improve and streamline integration, testing, and operations.
  • Domestic and international travel will be required. 

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
  • 1-2 years of experience in engineering design, test, and/or operations.
  • Experience and/or expertise with mechanical systems including one of more of structures, mechanisms, propulsion, pressurization, hydraulics, pneumatics, HVAC, instrumentation, or command & control systems.
  • Able to maintain situational awareness and real-time communications throughout complex operations.
  • Careful work ethic with an eye for detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.
  • Self-driven, motivated, and contagiously positive. 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

  • 2+ years of experience in engineering design, test and/or operations.
  • Demonstrated experience working in safety/mission-critical, high-stress environments.
  • Experience working with launch vehicles or spacecraft including integration, testing, launch, and/or on-console mission operations.

If this sounds like you, Apply today! 

Additional Content

INTEGRATED OPERATIONS ENGINEER II – TEAM X 

Integrated Operations is the Rocket Lab organisation responsible for Electron launch vehicle and Photon testing and operations starting with stack testing through pre-launch processing, launch, on-orbit operations, and mission disposal.  Testing and operations may be conducted remotely or on-site at propulsion test facilities (MTC, PTC), the Auckland Mission Control Centre (MCC), LC-1 (Mahia), LC-2 (Wallops Island, VA), or other designated locations. Be at the forefront of testing, launching, and managing Electron launch vehicles. 

The Engineer I is an intermediate role in Integrated Operations. The Engineer I will have a working understanding of various disciplines related to testing and operations. The Engineer I will be skilled in one of more operational roles and function independently in these roles during the conduct of testing and operations. The Engineer I will actively contribute to Integrated Operations projects and process/tool development efforts, including accountability for key elements of these efforts. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Prepare for and conduct testing, pre-launch operations, and launch operations.
  • Define test and operations requirements.
  • Develop, coordinate, and execute plans and procedures to efficiently, effectively, and safely conduct testing, operations, and flight.
  • Conduct test and operations on-console (while maintaining situational awareness and real-time communications throughout test and operations activities).
  • Troubleshoot and resolve test and operations issues real-time.
  • Perform failure investigations and root cause analyses sufficient to prevent recurrence of issues.
  • Perform post-test and post-flight data review and analyses.
  • Continually improve and streamline integration, testing, and operations.
  • Domestic and international travel will be required. 

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
  • 1-2 years of experience in engineering design, test, and/or operations.
  • Experience and/or expertise with mechanical systems including one of more of structures, mechanisms, propulsion, pressurization, hydraulics, pneumatics, HVAC, instrumentation, or command & control systems.
  • Able to maintain situational awareness and real-time communications throughout complex operations.
  • Careful work ethic with an eye for detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.
  • Self-driven, motivated, and contagiously positive. 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

  • 2+ years of experience in engineering design, test and/or operations.
  • Demonstrated experience working in safety/mission-critical, high-stress environments.
  • Experience working with launch vehicles or spacecraft including integration, testing, launch, and/or on-console mission operations.

If this sounds like you, Apply today!