Graphic Designer

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. The Marketing & Communications team is the storytelling engine of Rocket Lab. We tell the big stories, break down the complex concepts, showcase the inspiring missions, and make space beautiful. Through media relations, social media, video production, events, merchandise, and design, the Marketing & Communications team works across the entire business to translate literal rocket science into stories and messages that resonate with key audiences. Based onsite at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA we are looking for a creative and technically skilled Graphic / Brand Designer to create visual content with impact – from mission patches to merchandise, presentations to event graphics, and digital campaigns to website content. You’ll partner closely with our Brand Design Lead and collaborate with many teams across the business. We move fast and work on everything from technical renders to social campaigns to rocket livery that'll end up in orbit. You need to keep up, communicate clearly, and push work across the finish line without someone holding your hand. This role is perfect if you want to own projects from concept to execution, get excited by designing across multiple formats, and enjoy working with teams who care deeply about their work and want to see it brought to life through your work. This role can be based in either Long Beach, California or Auckland, New Zealand.

Requirements

5+ years of professional graphic design experience & a bachelors degree or equivalent years of work experience (9+ years of total work experience).
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
Portfolio demonstrating expertise in brand design
Experience in developing merchandise and swag, working with vendors through the production process to deliver completed products
Understanding of typography, layout, color theory, and visual hierarchy

Nice To Haves

Experience working in aerospace, space, defense, or deep-tech industries
Experience with motion graphics, video editing, or 3D rendering software is a plus
Knowledge of web design principles and tools like Figma or Sketch
Familiarity with 3D software such as Cinema 4D, Blender, or KeyShot
Experience designing for live events, exhibitions, or experiential activations
Understanding of photography direction and art direction for photo shoots
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities
Strong communication skills and the ability to present creative concepts
A collaborative mindset with the ability to take direct feedback and iterate quickly
Passion for storytelling and translating technical subject matter into compelling visuals

Responsibilities

Design high-quality graphics for digital platforms, print materials, presentations, and event activations
Develop compelling visual concepts that translate complex aerospace technology into accessible, engaging content
Create branded assets for product launches, mission campaigns, and corporate communications
Support the production of video content, motion graphics, and social media assets
Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining consistency with Rocket Lab's brand standards
Partner with external vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of creative work (merchandise, conference booths, websites, printed collateral etc)
Contribute to the evolution of Rocket Lab's visual identity as the company grows
Design mission patches, vehicle livery, and other unique aerospace applications
Maintain organized asset libraries and design systems