Test Engineer II/Senior
About The Position
ABOUT ROCKET LAB 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 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. 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 clean sheet development of a reusable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity! TEST ENGINEER II / SENIOR TEST ENGINEER Based out of Rocket Lab's Space Structures Complex, the Test Engineer is responsible for bringing test stands into the real world and assuring they meet the stringent requirements needed for the Neutron program. Enable repeat build-test-fly operations for Neutron production and enable productionization of test infrastructure. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Upgrade and Operate Test infrastructure at Rocket Lab Space Structures Complex – This infrastructure is designed for qualification and load testing of Neutron primary structures Ensure tests produce high quality data to maximize learning potential from test campaigns. Develop and upgrade software for test systems. Own assembly, checkouts and development testing of Neutron test stands Develop the procedures & processes for primary structures tests that will form the baseline for the Neutron program into the future Lead problem containment and root cause/corrective action investigations, when required Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances Collaborate with the quality team to identify and drive quality-related initiatives and improvements Perform structured root cause analysis of in-process failures Liaison between production, quality, supply chain and design engineering staff for complex problem solving and process changes Identify, plan and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet production requirements, including preparation of business cases Lead the continuous improvement process via Lean/Six Sigma tools and techniques Develop, introduce, and maintain new planning, production, quality, ERP, data collection and analysis, and other processes where none exist (This position can be hired as a Test Engineer II or Senior Test Engineer Level)
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or other technical field
- 2+ years experience troubleshooting valves, actuators, regulators or similar fluid components during assembly, functional checkouts or while undergoing development and qualification testing
- Experience developing and building safe, high pressure, pneumatic, hydrostatic, and cryogenic test stands
- Experience with CAD systems (preferably NX)
- Experience with data acquisition
- Strong foundation in control theory and working with control systems
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or other technical field
- 5+ years experience troubleshooting valves, actuators, regulators or similar fluid components during assembly, functional checkouts or while undergoing development and qualification testing
- Experience developing and building safe, high pressure, pneumatic, hydrostatic, and cryogenic test stands
- Significant Experience with CAD systems (preferably NX)
- Significant Experience with data acquisition and analyses, including analog and digital signals, audio, high speed video
- Experience with control systems and understanding of their underlying mechanisms.
Nice To Haves
- Master's or PhD in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or other technical field
- Experience with aerospace component design, build & testing
- Previous history of planning, building, activating & operating component test stands for development, qualification and production acceptance testing
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes common to fluid components
- Experience with LabVIEW, Python, C, C++, MATLAB
- Extensive experience using fundamentals of fluid and structural mechanics to solve component issues in a fast-paced environment
Responsibilities
- Upgrade and Operate Test infrastructure at Rocket Lab Space Structures Complex – This infrastructure is designed for qualification and load testing of Neutron primary structures
- Ensure tests produce high quality data to maximize learning potential from test campaigns.
- Develop and upgrade software for test systems.
- Own assembly, checkouts and development testing of Neutron test stands
- Develop the procedures & processes for primary structures tests that will form the baseline for the Neutron program into the future
- Lead problem containment and root cause/corrective action investigations, when required
- Quickly analyze and resolve manufacturing discrepancies and non-conformances
- Collaborate with the quality team to identify and drive quality-related initiatives and improvements
- Perform structured root cause analysis of in-process failures
- Liaison between production, quality, supply chain and design engineering staff for complex problem solving and process changes
- Identify, plan and execute capital equipment, machine, and layout upgrades to meet production requirements, including preparation of business cases
- Lead the continuous improvement process via Lean/Six Sigma tools and techniques
- Develop, introduce, and maintain new planning, production, quality, ERP, data collection and analysis, and other processes where none exist
Benefits
- top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage
- 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year
- 11 paid holidays per year
- flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts
- paid parental leave
- disability insurance
- life insurance
- access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- discounted employee stock purchase program
- free snacks/drinks onsite
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
