Machine Learning Engineer II

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

Based on‑site at Rocket Lab's Auckland, NZ facility, the Machine Learning Engineer II is responsible for developing impactful AI solutions, managing data cleanup, annotation, and augmentation, and enabling everyone in the organization to build AI applications.

You'll join a collaborative team running rapid experiments to identify the most promising AI use cases, while developing robust, scalable infrastructure that supports the whole organization to leverage AI.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

• Develop impactful AI solutions that empower and support our colleagues organization‑wide.
  
  
• Design and implement custom machine learning models using in‑house data to address Rocket Lab's unique opportunities.
  
  
• Collaborate with teams, sharing knowledge and training colleagues on the practical applications of AI.
  
  
• Stay informed about internal developments to identify and assess emerging AI opportunities.
  
  
• Evaluate and integrate specialized AI solutions from external partners to complement our capabilities.
  
  
• Provide access to off‑the‑shelf AI tools, supporting integration and offering training.
  
  

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• 3+ years of experience in the academia or industry in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science.
  
  
• Proficiency in Python, with hands‑on experience building scalable, maintainable code for machine learning applications.
  
  
• Solid experience in data collection, cleaning, and augmentation techniques across varied datasets.
  
  
• Proven ability to read and synthesize research papers, translating findings into practical solutions.
  
  
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences.
  
  

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• A creative problem‑solver with a passion for leveraging data to drive high‑impact decisions.
  
  
• Experience with advanced machine learning techniques such as deep learning, natural language processing, or reinforcement learning.
  
  
• Experience in deploying machine learning models using Docker, Kubernetes, or cloud‑based infrastructures.
  
  
• Previous involvement in research projects or contributions to academic publications in the field of data science.
  
  

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.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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, leave of absence, compensation and training.

Accommodation Statement

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.

Required Skill Profession

Electrical & Energy Engineering