Senior Systems Engineer - Configuration and Change Management

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive aerospace company developing rockets, spacecraft, and essential subsystems that maintain global connectivity and security while extending human presence to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We emphasize rapid development, creating tangible hardware for significant missions, and consistently transforming challenging goals into standard practice. Join us in shaping the future of space exploration.

Neutron Program

The Neutron team at Rocket Lab leads the development and deployment of our new large launch vehicle, Neutron, alongside its launch and testing infrastructure. This includes conceptualizing and evaluating Neutron’s structural and component designs, initiating Archimedes engine tests, and establishing launch and test facilities across the U.S. Being part of this team offers a unique chance to contribute to the maiden launch of a large new rocket.

Position Overview

As a Senior Systems Engineer focusing on Configuration and Change Management, you will be instrumental in translating engineering changes into accurate and promptly realized flight hardware. Integrated within the Systems Engineering team, your role bridges complex vehicle design and execution by coordinating multidisciplinary teams to ensure clarity in interfaces, control of changes, and completeness in configuration data.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Engineering Change Management (ECM) process, collaborating with Systems Engineering, Design, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to implement modifications efficiently and error-free.
• Assess and confirm system-wide impacts of proposed changes to ensure that the integrated launch vehicle benefits from them.
• Adhere to the project's configuration management plan and proactively enhance baseline control practices.
• Allocate approximately 20% of time to thorough configuration validation, verifying fit, form, and function; ensuring EBOM-to-MBOM accuracy; and managing end-of-life obsolescence procedures in liaison with Supply Chain.
• Continuously improve and automate data integrity verifications across tools to identify missing components, mismatched revision tables, and ERP synchronization issues before they affect production.
• Function as a power user of Teamcenter, Jira, and Infor LN to oversee task progress and ensure seamless data transition between design, manufacturing, and ERP systems.
• Establish and maintain high-quality engineering processes across the project.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Over 5 years of professional experience in relevant technical domains such as Mechanical Structures, Fluid Systems, Mechanisms, Propulsion, Avionics, or Software.
• A demonstrated ability to work autonomously, own deliverables, and meet strict deadlines.
• A systems-oriented mindset focused on process efficiency, with a strong curiosity to understand system functionality and validate that changes meet intended goals.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills capable of influencing and coordinating across multidisciplinary teams without formal authority.
• Meticulous attention to detail with the discipline necessary to handle critical configuration data management.
• Proficiency with PLM/PDM platforms (preferably Teamcenter) and workflow management software like Jira.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in project management, including schedule tracking, managing manufacturing effectivity, and driving engineering deliverables to completion.
• Familiarity with or application of EIA-649 standards in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability engineering environments.
• Knowledge of Infor LN or data visualization tools such as Power BI for monitoring configuration metrics and reporting.
• Basic programming skills in Python or experience utilizing Teamcenter/Jira APIs to automate repetitive data checks.

Additional Information

The role is Auckland-based in New Zealand.

Rocket Lab maintains a culture centered on relentless innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to surpassing expectations even under pressure. We foster an environment where colleagues support one another, prioritize delivery, and confront challenges proactively.

Important Compliance Details

For candidates seeking employment in U.S. offices: Compliance with U.S. Government export controls such as ITAR requires employees to be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees/asylees, or eligible for required authorizations.

For candidates seeking employment in New Zealand offices: Security background checks including nationality verification are mandatory to ensure eligibility to access ITAR-regulated equipment and data. Applicants must hold citizenship from approved countries (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, EU member states, or NATO members) and not hold disqualifying dual citizenships.

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing accommodations during the recruitment process upon request.