Senior Ground Systems Engineer II, Instrumentation & Controls at Rocket Lab USA

Virginia, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

AerospaceIndustries

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering or other technical discipline
8+ years of experience designing instrumentation and controls and related infrastructure for liquid launch vehicles
Hands-on experience with data acquisition, control, and automation systems
Experience with object-oriented PLC programming

Responsibilities

Design control systems for complex launch range systems
Support certification of systems, including producing documentation (operator manuals, maintenance procedures, test procedures, and work instructions)
Support technicians remotely or in person during installation, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting activities
Become a subject matter expert in one or more of the necessary disciplines dealing with instrumentation, control systems, HMI, PLCs, software, and networks
Perform test operations activities
Post-test data analysis

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

PLCHMIInstrumentationControl SystemsData AcquisitionAutomation SystemsNetworksObject-Oriented PLC Programming

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

Is this position remote or onsite?

This is an onsite position at the Launch Complex in Wallops, VA.

What is the salary for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What are the key requirements for this position?

Candidates need a Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering or other technical discipline, 8+ years of experience designing instrumentation and controls for liquid launch vehicles, hands-on experience with data acquisition, control, and automation systems, and experience with object-oriented PLC programming.

What does the team at Rocket Lab work on?

The team works on developing, automating, testing, and commissioning fluid and gas systems at the Launch Complex in Wallops, VA, supporting the test operations team with software, PLC, networks, instrumentation, and controls for the Neutron launch vehicle program.

What experience stands out for applicants to this role?

Strong candidates will have 8+ years designing instrumentation and controls for liquid launch vehicles, hands-on expertise in data acquisition and automation systems, and object-oriented PLC programming experience.

Rocket Lab USA

Provides launch services and spacecraft solutions

About Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab provides comprehensive space solutions, including launch services, spacecraft components, and satellite management. Their main products are the Electron launch vehicle, which is designed for small satellite launches, and the Photon satellite platform, which supports various missions, including those for NASA. The Electron rocket has gained popularity, becoming the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket since its debut in 2018, successfully delivering over 100 satellites into orbit for various sectors. Rocket Lab differentiates itself from competitors by offering a streamlined approach to accessing space, with multiple launch sites and a focus on affordability and reliability. The company's goal is to make space more accessible and to support a wide range of missions, from national security to scientific exploration.

Long Beach, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2006Year Founded

$713.3MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Robotics & Automation, Aerospace, DefenseIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Flexible Spending Account

Company Equity

Wellness Program

Phone/Internet Stipend

Childcare Support

Gym Membership

Employee Discounts

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Professional Development Budget

Conference Attendance Budget

Flexible Work Hours

Hybrid Work Options

Risks

Increased competition from SpaceX as Rocket Lab develops the Neutron rocket.

Potential delays in Virginia launch site could impact schedules and revenue.

Reliance on New Zealand site poses risks from geopolitical tensions or natural disasters.

Differentiation

Rocket Lab's Electron is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually.

Photon platform supports NASA missions to the Moon, Mars, and private Venus missions.

Neutron rocket development positions Rocket Lab as a competitor in heavy-lift launches.

Upsides

Collaboration with Air Force Research Lab could lead to more defense contracts.

Operational efficiency shown by two launches in 24 hours from different hemispheres.

Investment by Pier 88 indicates strong investor confidence in Rocket Lab's growth.

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