Lead Test Automation Engineer - Neutron Auckland, New Zealand

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! WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Neutron is Rocket Lab’s new, medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle currently under development. We are seeking a skilled and motivated Lead Test Automation Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you will manage the development and commissioning of automated test equipment across the Neutron program, including hardware builds, software deployments, and the prioritisation of activities across multiple technical workstreams and sites. Your technical background and organised approach will ensure the efficient use of engineering resources to keep the program moving through development, qualification, and production testing phases. You will balance R&D agility with the end goal of achieving streamlined production automation solutions for manufacturing Neutron rockets at scale. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan and execute test rig builds across multiple technical workstreams
• Proactively engage stakeholders across hardware, software and production functions
• Develop, communicate and mediate technical and user requirements across technical teams
• Actively priorities projects according to program needs, adapting to unforeseen changes
• Support designers and test engineers across development and qualification test campaigns
• Work closely with engineers, technicians and shared-service teams across the business, leading through influence to deliver against Neutron’s rapid development roadmap
• Steer and establish common approaches to test equipment design and deployment
• Be the single point of contact for automated test facility creation across electrical and electromechanical components for the Neutron vehicle

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in electrical and/or software engineering, or equivalent qualification
• 5+ years relevant professional experience
• Proven experience with automated test setups in a development or production environment
• Proven experience in seeking, authoring, and/or synthesizing system requirements
• Working knowledge of project management tools and processes (e.g. Gantt charts)
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Demonstrated strong communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Hands-on experience with test rig/rack/cart specification and builds
• Hands-on experience executing environmental qualification or acceptance testing campaigns
• Experience developing human-machine interfaces (HMIs) or graphical user interfaces (GUIs)
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or C++
• Experience with Linux operating systems

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. 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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