Manager - Ground Systems Engineering

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 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.

Lead the Future of Space Exploration as Manager - Ground Systems Engineering

Rocket Lab is redefining what’s possible in space, and we’re looking for a visionary Manager - Ground Systems Engineering to lead the team responsible for the systems that make our missions possible. From test stands to launch pads, fluid systems to automation technologies, this role is at the heart of ensuring Electron and Photon reach orbit seamlessly. If you’re ready to take charge of cutting-edge engineering projects and inspire a team to achieve the unthinkable, this is your opportunity to make history.

About the Role

As the Manager - Ground Systems Engineering, you’ll lead a team of up to 15 engineers tasked with designing, building, testing, operating, and maintaining the systems that support Rocket Lab’s launch vehicles and spacecraft. You’ll oversee large-scale test stands, tooling, and launch pad systems, including vehicle-to-pad interfaces, fluid systems, structures, mechanisms, power systems, and instrumentation.

This role is focused on delivering new technologies to automate and optimise test and launch operations while improving reliability across Rocket Lab’s NZ and US sites. You’ll be responsible for growing your team, driving innovation, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of all ground systems.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Directly manage a team of engineers responsible for ground systems design, build, test, operations, and maintenance.
• Develop and deliver new technologies to automate and optimize test and launch operations.
• Create technology roadmaps, schedules, workflows, staffing plans, and budgets to support ongoing and new projects.
• Establish processes to enhance quality, efficiency, and collaboration across teams and departments.
• Serve as the technical review and approval authority for engineering projects.
• Ensure safety and reliability of all launch engineering systems.
• Work closely with vehicle engineering teams to define requirements and verification processes.
• Collaborate with site teams for system build, maintenance, and operations.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory engineering and safety requirements in NZ and the USA.

Team Development & Management

• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of engineers.
• Promote and maintain a positive, collaborative, and innovative team environment.
• Manage staff performance and administer professional development programs.
• Plan and manage projects to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.

Financial Management

• Develop and maintain accurate budgets to support financial reporting requirements.
• Ensure adherence to company financial policies and procedures.
• Create annual operating plans and budgets to support department objectives.

Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Promote a culture of safety across all operations.
• Report near-misses and incidents promptly and implement corrective actions.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or mechatronic engineering (or equivalent).
• 3+ years of experience in engineering management.
• 5+ years of experience in engineering design, testing, and/or operations.
• Strong technical background in fluid mechanics, structural design and analysis, electrical and power systems, automation, instrumentation, control systems, and software development.
• Proven ability to motivate and enable a team to deliver complex projects on schedule and within budget.
• Self-driven, motivated, and contagiously positive attitude.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Meticulous work ethic with an eye for detail.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• Experience working at launch vehicle test or launch facilities.
• 5+ years of experience in engineering management.
• 10+ years of experience in engineering design, testing, and/or operations.
• Demonstrated experience in launch site development.
• Familiarity with FAA, NASA, RCC, and USAF compliance programs.

Ready to Lead the Charge?

If you’re an experienced engineering leader with a passion for innovation and a drive to make history, Rocket Lab is the place for you. Apply now and take your career - and humanity’s future - to new heights!

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

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

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