Subsystems Engineer II​/Senior

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.

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Subsystem Engineer provides technical leadership and coordination to meet Solar Cell, Panel, and Array program objectives. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

NOTE: This position can be hired at the Subsystem Engineer II or Senior Subsystem Engineer I level.

• Act as the technical lead and technical customer point‑of‑contact for solar array programs.
• Lead a broad cross‑functional team of individuals from R&D, analysis, operations, design, and manufacturing.
• Owns and reviews program technical content for a broad array of engineering disciplines.
• Primary point of contact with customers for all technical items on assigned solar array programs.
• Work in tandem with program managers to execute program milestones.
• Review all program related engineering documents and ensure all technical requirements are met.
• Support proposal compliance reviews and consult on technical input.
• Prepare engineering documentation for both internal and external customers.
• Support product configuration management tasks such as review and/or release of program specifications, travelers, and test procedures.
• Interface with production team and manufacturing engineer as required to resolve program related manufacturing issues.
• Support material review board and support closure of all engineering‑related action items.
• Support Production Simulations and Test Data Reviews.

• 2+ years of industry experience (aerospace or other) in an engineering role.
• Knowledge of the Systems Engineering design process.
• Proficient in all MS Office applications.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, material science, or applied physics.
• 5+ years of industry experience (aerospace or other) in an engineering role.
• Experience in the Systems Engineering design process.
• Proficient in all MS Office applications.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create clear, concise technical documentation using technical‑writing fundamentals.
• Leadership capability, including experience guiding others and taking ownership of results.
• Experience using Siemens NX;
  AutoCAD (DWG viewer); or Solid Works 2012 (e‑drawings) or newer version.
• Experience with power systems design for spacecraft and spacecraft environments.
• Experience in space‑related manufacturing.
• Leadership experience in a project engineering role.
• Experience in a customer‑facing technical role.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

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