Ground Systems Engineer I Instrumentation & Control

Job description

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.

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.

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems.

Our success is powered by our people—engineers, technicians, and innovators working together to make space more accessible and useful for everyone.

Now, we’re looking for a talented Ground Systems Engineer I – Instrumentation and Control to join our Auckland team.

About the Role

As a Ground Systems Engineer in the Instrumentation and Control (ICE) team, you'll maintain and develop control systems that support our world-class facilities.

These systems are critical to enabling the testing, build, and launch of our Electron and Neutron launch vehicles—at a speed faster than they are manufactured.

You'll work on both new control system development and supporting operational systems.

This includes designing automation solutions, supporting infrastructure commissioning, and collaborating with operations and test teams to ensure systems run smoothly, safely, and effectively.

Whether you’re delivering a project from concept to implementation or taking ownership, you’ll work under the guidance of senior engineers while developing the skills to lead increasingly complex technical work.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Development
  • Own and deliver small-scale control projects from concept to commissioning
  • Contribute to larger engineering sprint teams by executing tasks aligned with architectural guidance
  • Simulate, validate, and document system functions before deployment
  • Write and maintain operator manuals, test procedures, and maintenance documentation

• Operational Support
  • Provide hands-on and remote support for ICE system installation, commissioning, and testing
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly to minimize downtime
  • Ensure proper usage and safety of systems, advising teams when configurations are used outside of intended design
  • Analyse post-flight and post-test data to inform continuous improvement.
    
    

What You Bring

Required Skills & Experience

• Tertiary qualification in Mechatronics, Electrical, or Control Systems Engineering
• Proficiency in at least two programming languages (e.g., Python, C++, Structured Text)
• Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills
• Excellent documentation and communication abilities
• A collaborative mindset with a proactive, ownership-driven approach

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience automating industrial or high-reliability systems
• Familiarity with PLC platforms such as Beckhoff or Codesys
• Understanding of object-oriented programming
• Experience with Git/GitLab version control
• Hands-on exposure to instrumentation, control systems, or machinery

Ready to Launch?

Apply now and be part of a team that’s redefining what’s possible in space and on Earth.

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, Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, 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 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 here ITAR Regulations.

Required Skill Profession

Electrical & Energy Engineering