Manager, Integration & Test

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 humanitys 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 were not just launching rockets - were building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels flight software star trackers optical systems separation systems radios and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration and 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 its a single high-performance spacecraft constellation or vertically integrated components that help missions get to space our world-class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

MANAGER SPACECRAFT INTEGRATION & TEST

Based out of Rocket Labs global headquarters in Long Beach CA the Manager Spacecraft Integration & Test is a hands-on functional managing position. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Integration & Test you will lead a dedicated sub-team to execute testing across multiple spacecraft programs. Your team will have 6 to 10 direct reports and you will need to guide and mentor them while working alongside them on spacecraft development programs. You will also need to communicate your technical strategy and work cross-functionally on projects with almost every other engineering team.

Our ideal candidate is someone with a strong integration & test background who has successfully led engineering teams through challenging projects and will be comfortable working in a fast-paced development environment. They will be responsible for the development and test of flight spacecraft systems as well as the development maintenance and upgrading of the test systems for that hardware.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Functional Management: Execute functional management duties including conducting 1-on-1s delivering performance reviews and actively guiding the career development of your direct reports.
• Leadership: Hire mentor and guide test engineering teams while representing the I&T department during critical milestone and flight readiness reviews.
• Process Improvements: Drive continuous improvement across the department by establishing and maintaining standardized test specifications documentation templates and optimized integration workflows.
• End-to-End Ownership: Own the spacecraft integration and test lifecycle from early design phases through launch site operations spacecraft deployment and on-orbit commissioning.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner directly with Design Manufacturing and Quality engineering teams to trace requirements ensure design-for-testability mitigate risks and facilitate smooth hardware handoffs.
• Procedure & Script Development: Oversee and contribute to the authoring review and execution of comprehensive test procedures system-level V&V (verification and validation) plans and automated test scripts for functional and performance testing.
• Systems Integration: Lead and execute mechanical integration and electrical verification (bring-up acceptance testing) across all core satellite subsystems including avionics propulsion power thermal and RF.
• Anomaly Resolution: Direct multi-disciplinary failure investigations perform root-cause data analysis on anomalous vehicle behavior and document non-conformances to improve future hardware iterations.
• Test Campaign Execution: Manage and execute system-level environmental test campaigns including Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) random sine/vibration shock acoustics and EMI/EMC testing.

QUALIFICATIONS YOULL BRING:

• Bachelors degree in aerospace mechanical electrical electronics mechatronics or other engineering discipline
• 8 years of experience in a systems test engineer or other hands-on engineering role
• 1 years of experience as a team lead manager or technical leader
• Deep working knowledge of spacecraft subsystems (e.g. C&DH ADCS EPS Propulsion Thermal) and their system-level interactions
• US citizenship is required due to program to obtain and maintain a security clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters or PhD in electrical electronics mechatronics aerospace or other engineering discipline.
• Proven track record of delivering multiple spacecraft from design through launch.
• Hands-on competence reading electrical schematics and using electrical test instrumentation (oscilloscopes digital multimeters power supplies data acquisition systems) alongside mechanical ground support equipment.
• Proficiency with test automation and scripting languages (Python C MATLAB) database querying (SQL) and familiarity with Linux environments.
• Experience with RF testing and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Understanding of sensors signal conditioning and data acquisition electronics.
• Experience working in a clean room and with ESD-sensitive equipment.
• Working knowledge of Siemens NX and Teamcenter.
• Comfort executing to aggressive deadlines within a high-pressure environment.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and engineering professionals.
• Demonstrated track record of coaching technical teams and successfully executing mentorship frameworks to develop junior engineers into senior roles.

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.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia Japan New Zealand Switzerland the European Union or a country that is part of NATO or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations click here ITAR Regulations.