Recovery Engineer I/II

Company: Rocket Lab USA
Location: Long Beach
Posted on: May 18, 2025

Job Description:

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!NEUTRONNeutron 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 a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!RECOVERY ENGINEER I/IIThe Recovery Engineer position will initially be based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA , or Middle River, MD You will responsible for the design and development of all Recovery assets needed to support Neutron Recovery. You will interface You will be responsible for successful Neutron Recovery program designs and hardware to enable development, testing, flight, and recovery. (Please note this position can be hired at Recovery Engineer I or II Level)WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Work as a part of a team of engineers through the early stages of developing the Neutron Recovery program
• Own critical Recovery Sub System designs, analysis and other technical details as needed to support the objectives of the team
• Serve as technical expert for marine system designs & recovered flight hardware post processing required for Neutron Recovery
• Develop technical details to for Recovery designs including what hardware to build and how tests are performed in order to maximize the program's available resources towards meaningful progress on Neutron
• Collaborate heavily with Rocket Lab Engineering teams to ensure all systems are operational to support Neutron Recovery
• Support Recovery system fabrication and testing both remotely and onsite as needed at Wallops Island as well as other facilitiesQUALIFICATIONS You will bring as Recovery Engineer I :
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, naval, marine, electrical, systems or aerospace engineering, or related field
  • Past work experience, internships, or projects related to aerospace vehicles/payloads, automotive, aircraft, or marine assembliesQualifications You'll bring as a Recovery Engineer II:
    • 2+ years professional experience in Maritime or Aerospace fieldTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
      • Experience working with teams of engineers to successful outcomes on challenging projects with tight timelines and budgets
      • Experience designing and building complex, multi-disciplinary systems including;
      • Electrical, Mechanical, Hydraulic, Fluids, or Marine Systems
      • Self-motivated and directed with keen attention to detail
      • Ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work
      • Detail oriented, organized, and demonstrate a high sense of urgency
      • Ability to work in fast-paced, high stress and remote environments
      • Ability to work autonomously, prioritize work, and make resource allocation recommendations that involve risk and uncertaintyADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
        • Ability to work in a high-concentration, high-stress environment; good response to problems posed by short deadlines; prolonged mental concentration (under possible extended work hours)
        • Willing to support offshore operations, including working recovery missions at sea averaging 5 or more days per quarter
        • Willing to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain, wind, open ocean
        • Ability to climb ladders and work in tight/confined spaces
        • Willing to work with hazardous materials
        • Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, climbing hand over hand, and lifting 25 lbs.
        • Ability to operate heavy machineryLevel and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts.Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.Base Pay Range (CA Only)$107,000 - $133,800 USDWHAT TO EXPECTWe'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.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 hereITAR Regulations.
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Keywords: Rocket Lab USA, Redlands , Recovery Engineer I/II, Engineering , Long Beach, California