Test Engineer II/Senior
Rocketlab · Middle River, MD · Posted Jul 1, 2026
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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 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.
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)
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A TEST ENGINEER II:
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
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR TEST ENGINEER:
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.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
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, qualificatio…