Junior Ground Systems Engineer - Instrumentation & Control

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.

ABOUT INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROL AT ROCKET LAB:

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets, we're building the future of space. Our Terrestrial Software team, including Instrumentation & Control, is at the heart of this mission. We design, build, and operate the critical software and control systems that power our ground infrastructure from launch pads, transporters, and erectors to the test stands where our engines are proven before flight.

Every launch and engine test depends on the automated control and instrumentation systems our team delivers. As part of Terrestrial Software, you’ll help create and maintain the systems that enable Rocket Lab to build world-class facilities and launch vehicles faster than ever before. Your expertise will drive both operational excellence and innovative design, ensuring our Electron and Neutron vehicles reach new heights. Interact with other software teams as Flight Software, Guidance and Control, Databases, operational software and analysis

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Maintain and extend control systems for launch vehicle transporters, erectors, launchers, and propulsion test stands
  
• Develop new software features under the guidance of our solution architect
• Support technicians on-site and remotely during installation, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting
• Execute test plans to validate system performance and vehicle interfaces
• Analyse post-flight and post-test data to understand system performance and drive improvements
• Collaborate with test and operations teams to qualify systems
• Work alongside other Rocket Lab software teams, including Flight Software, Guidance and Control, Databases, Operational Software, and Analysis
• Develop and maintain interface control documentation between the launch vehicle and pad systems
• Create and maintain documentation covering software design, functional requirements, and architecture
• Support launch pad certification and maintenance program development
• Advise on instrumentation best practices and drive continuous product and process improvement
• Apply a risk-based approach to your work, always with a fallback solution in place
• Roll up your sleeves during project build phases. No task is beneath us.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

• A degree in mechatronics, software, or a related engineering discipline
• Ability to apply engineering concepts and theory to real-world, hands-on systems
• Interest in instrumentation, automation, and control systems
• Strong ownership mindset: you commit to tasks, deliver on time, and ask for help when you're blocked
• Clear communication with peers through the right channels, whether email, tickets, or meetings
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required

NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with PLCs (structured text), SCADA, LabVIEW, or similar control and data acquisition tools 
• Python or other scripting experience for automation or data analysis
• Hands-on experience from internships, student projects, or personal builds involving sensors, actuators, or test equipment
• Exosure to aerospace, industrial automation, or other high-consequence engineering environments

If this sounds like you then apply now.

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 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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.