Senior Equipment Engineer I - Facilities

About this role

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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

SENIOR EQUIPMENT ENGINEER I - FACILITIES

As a Senior Equipment Engineer based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is responsible to support facilities maintenance, operations, and improvement projects for our SolAero facilities. It also encompasses equipment maintenance and preventative maintenance responsibilities. You will be supporting internal leadership to ensure all facility equipment is up to current standards and can support SolAero’s production facility with the highest availability possible.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop and execute plan to manage all building systems including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, safety, and waste management.

• Translate manufacturing, processes, and testing requirements into facilities specifications, including electrical, network infrastructure, HVAC, fluids (air, nitrogen, vacuum, water), and other critical systems.

• Plan, justify, and support execution of capital projects for facility upgrades, equipment installations, and layout improvements.

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including operations, maintenance, and subcontractors to ensure facilities equipment meets safety and operational standards.

• Develop maintenance policy and procedures that ensure the optimal functioning of buildings, grounds, and associated equipment.

• Ensure facilities maintenance work follows safety standards, conforms to specifications, and that work orders are tracked and completed within the budgeted guidelines

• Apply Lean principles to facilities design and production system development, ensuring efficient use of resources.

• Support equipment selection, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and production commissioning.

• Support EHS to ensure facility is compliant with OSHA, environmental regulations.

• Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues, implementing corrective actions, and performing preventive maintenance.

• Monitoring equipment performance, conducting evaluations, and implementing upgrades to optimize efficiency.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (preferably Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace) AND 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or facilities engineering environments (specifically HVAC, pneumatics, controls and steam) OR

• 9+ years of experience in manufacturing or facilities engineering environments (specifically HVAC, pneumatics, controls and steam) in lieu of a degree.

• Facilities and equipment maintenance experience in an Aerospace, Automotive, Medical Device, or similar heavily regulated manufacturing environment (i.e. cleanroom)

• Demonstrated achievements in planning, directing, and implementing complex projects on time, within budget and with desired functionality.

• Experience with heavy equipment, large-scale lifting operations, and structural assembly.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters Engineering degree (preferably Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace)

• Occupational health & safety skills to include risk assessment, policy, training, project management, hazardous substances, and safety in manufacturing engineering

• Knowledge and practical experience in emergency management and / or occupational health and workplace hygiene

• Experience in the application of Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies.

• Ability to be broadly focused, while paying attention to detail and concurrently managing multiple efforts

• Ability to work effectively with all levels of the organization, including staff, business stakeholders, and all levels of management.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including those necessary for an executive audience.

• Strong conflict resolution, negotiation, and influential skills

• Ability to work in fast-paced, changing, and ambiguous environments.

• Proven experience in project management

• Highly organized and detail oriented

This position may require prolonged periods

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