Systems Engineer - Configuration and Change Management

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space enterprise offering responsive launch services, spacecraft design and production, payloads, satellite parts, and more, with a mission to broaden space access. Our rockets and satellites support critical global missions in scientific research, Earth monitoring, climate action, national defense, and innovative technological showcases. The Electron rocket ranks as the second most commonly launched U.S. rocket annually, having placed over 230 satellites in orbit. Concurrently, we are developing Neutron, a medium-lift reusable rocket designed for larger constellation deployments. Our Space Systems division engineers and manufactures various satellites, payloads, and components, including those selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Neutron Project

The Neutron team spearheads the realization of our new large rocket, Neutron, including its launch and test infrastructures. This involves everything from designing and testing Neutron's components and structures, to activating Archimedes engines, and establishing launch and test sites across the U.S. Joining this team means contributing to launching a new large rocket for the first time.

Position Overview

We seek a Systems Engineer focused on Configuration and Change Management to ensure engineering modifications transition seamlessly from initial concepts to flight-ready hardware with accuracy and speed under disciplined processes. Embedded within Systems Engineering, you will coordinate cross-functional teams to clarify interfaces, control changes, and maintain configuration data integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Engineering Change Management process by working closely with Systems Engineering, Design, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure prompt and error-free implementation of changes.
• Assess and confirm the systemic effects of modifications, guaranteeing overall improvements to the integrated launch vehicle.
• Implement and adhere to the project’s configuration management plan while identifying opportunities to enhance baseline control.
• Dedicate approximately 20% of time to rigorous configuration validation: confirming fit, form, and function; ensuring EBOM-to-MBOM accuracy; and managing end-of-life obsolescence procedures with Supply Chain.
• Continuously improve and automate data integrity verification across tools to detect missing parts, revision inconsistencies, and ERP synchronization issues before they affect production.
• Serve as a proficient user of Teamcenter, Jira, and Infor LN to monitor progress and ensure seamless data flow between design, manufacturing, and ERP systems.
• Establish and maintain high-caliber engineering processes.

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• At least 2 years of relevant industry experience in fields such as Mechanical Structures, Fluid Systems, Mechanisms, Propulsion, Avionics, or Software.
• Proven ability to work autonomously with strong ownership of results, meeting tight deadlines.
• A systems thinking approach with a passion for process efficiency and verifying that changes fulfill objectives.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to influence and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams without direct authority.
• Meticulous attention to detail and discipline in managing critical configuration data.
• Experience with PLM/PDM systems (preferably Teamcenter) and workflow tools like Jira.

Desirable Skills

• Experience in project management, such as schedule tracking, manufacturing effectivity, and driving engineering deliverables to completion.
• Knowledge of or experience applying EIA-649 standards in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability engineering contexts.
• Familiarity with Infor LN or data visualization tools like Power BI for configuration metrics and reporting.
• Basic ability in Python scripting or using Teamcenter/Jira APIs to automate data validation tasks.

Work Environment and Culture

We are committed to unlocking space's potential to enhance life on Earth, a pursuit demanding dedication, innovative problem-solving, teamwork, tenacity, and commitment to exceptional goals. Our team supports each other, sets egos aside, and embraces hands-on involvement across tasks big and small, thriving under pressure and tight schedules with a focus on delivery over obstacles.

Important Information

U.S. Office Applicants: To comply with U.S. Government export regulations, including ITAR, employment requires U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, refugee/asylum status, or eligibility for required U.S. Department of State/Commerce authorizations.

New Zealand Office Applicants: Employment offers are contingent on security background checks verifying eligibility to access equipment and data under U.S. ITAR regulations. Eligibility is restricted to citizens of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, NATO countries, or those without disqualifying dual citizenship/nationality.

Equal Opportunity: Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics across all employment conditions.