Manager, Integration & Test
Role Overview
The Manager, Spacecraft Integration & Test is a hands-on functional manager based at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California.
The role reports to the Senior Manager of Integration & Test and leads a sub-team executing tests across multiple spacecraft programs.
The team has 6 to 10 direct reports; the manager guides and mentors them while working on spacecraft development and collaborating across engineering teams.
Key Skills for This Role
Full Job Posting
Company and team
Rocket Lab builds rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems for space missions.
The Space Systems team develops spacecraft, payloads, and components including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.
Role overview
The Manager, Spacecraft Integration & Test is a hands-on functional manager based at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, California.
The role reports to the Senior Manager of Integration & Test and leads a sub-team executing tests across multiple spacecraft programs.
The team has 6 to 10 direct reports; the manager guides and mentors them while working on spacecraft development and collaborating across engineering teams.
Responsibilities
- Conduct one-on-ones, performance reviews, and career development; hire, mentor, and guide test engineers.
- Represent the department at milestone and flight-readiness reviews and drive standardized specifications, documentation, and integration workflows.
- Own spacecraft integration and test from early design through launch-site operations, deployment, and on-orbit commissioning.
- Partner with Design, Manufacturing, and Quality on requirements, design-for-testability, risk mitigation, and hardware handoffs.
- Develop and execute test procedures, verification and validation plans, and automated test scripts.
- Lead mechanical integration and electrical verification across avionics, propulsion, power, thermal, and RF subsystems.
- Direct failure investigations, root-cause analysis, and non-conformance documentation.
- Manage environmental test campaigns covering thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, acoustics, and EMI/EMC.
Required qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, electronics, mechatronics, or another engineering discipline.
- 8+ years in systems test engineering or another hands-on engineering role.
- 1+ years as a team lead, manager, or technical leader.
- Deep knowledge of spacecraft subsystems such as C&DH, ADCS, EPS, propulsion, and thermal systems, including system-level interactions.
- U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements; ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required.
Preferred qualifications
- Relevant master’s or PhD, and experience delivering multiple spacecraft from design through launch, are preferred.
- Electrical schematics, test instrumentation, ground support equipment, scripting, SQL, Linux, RF, hardware-in-the-loop, sensors, signal conditioning, and data acquisition experience are preferred.
- Clean-room and ESD-sensitive equipment experience, Siemens NX or Teamcenter knowledge, and coaching experience are preferred.
Work environment
- The role is based at Rocket Lab’s Long Beach headquarters and works on spacecraft hardware and development programs.
- The position may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Pay range
- Salary range is $166,800–$258,625 yearly.
Additional information
U.S. government space technology export regulations apply to roles in U.S. offices; eligibility requirements may apply.
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