Ground Systems Engineer I - Instrumentation & Control

📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Ground Systems Engineer I - Instrumentation & Control
• Company: Rocket Lab USA
• Location: Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
• Job Type: On-site
• Category: Systems Engineering
• Date Posted: 2025-07-18
• Experience Level: 0-2 years

🚀 Role Summary

• Maintain and develop control systems for Rocket Lab's world-class facilities, supporting testing, build, and launch of Electron and Neutron launch vehicles.
• Collaborate with operations and test teams to ensure systems run smoothly, safely, and effectively.
• Deliver projects from concept to implementation and contribute to larger engineering sprint teams.
• Work under the guidance of senior engineers while developing skills to lead increasingly complex technical work.

💻 Primary 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.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A tertiary qualification in Mechatronics, Electrical, or Control Systems Engineering is required.

Experience: Relevant experience in control systems, automation, or a related field is preferred.

Required Skills:

• 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

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

• Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrate your ability to design, develop, and maintain control systems for high-reliability environments.
  • Showcase your proficiency in programming languages, debugging skills, and documentation standards.
  • Highlight your experience with automation, PLC platforms, and version control systems.

• Technical Documentation:

  • Provide examples of operator manuals, test procedures, and maintenance documentation you've created.
  • Explain your approach to system validation, simulation, and data analysis.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: NZD 65,000 - 85,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Ground Systems Engineer with 0-2 years of experience in Auckland, New Zealand)

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to work for a global leader in launch and space systems
• Collaborative and innovative work environment
• Opportunities for professional growth and development

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems, specializing in small satellite launch services and space systems.

Company Size: Medium-sized company with a growing team of over 1,000 employees worldwide.

Founded: 2006, with headquarters in Long Beach, California, USA, and significant operations in Auckland, New Zealand.

Team Structure:

• The Ground Systems team is responsible for maintaining and developing control systems for Rocket Lab's facilities.
• The team works collaboratively with operations, test, and launch teams to ensure systems run smoothly, safely, and effectively.
• The role reports directly to the Senior Ground Systems Engineer.

Development Methodology:

• Agile development methodologies are used, with a focus on delivering projects from concept to implementation quickly and efficiently.
• Collaboration and cross-functional teamwork are essential for success in this role.

Company Website: https://www.rocketlabusa.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Rocket Lab's culture is fast-paced, innovative, and collaborative, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality products and services to customers. The company values diversity, inclusion, and work-life balance, and offers competitive benefits and growth opportunities to its employees.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is an entry-level to mid-level position in the systems engineering field, focusing on control systems and instrumentation.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Senior Ground Systems Engineer, with opportunities for career progression to Senior Ground Systems Engineer or other technical leadership roles within the organization.

Technical Impact: The Ground Systems Engineer I - Instrumentation & Control plays a crucial role in maintaining and developing control systems that support the testing, build, and launch of Rocket Lab's launch vehicles. The work has a direct impact on the success of the company's missions and the safety of its operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Deliver small-scale control projects from concept to implementation to gain experience and build a strong portfolio.
• Contribute to larger engineering sprint teams to learn from senior engineers and develop skills to lead increasingly complex technical work.
• Analyze post-flight and post-test data to inform continuous improvement and drive innovation in control systems and instrumentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Rocket Lab offers a dynamic and challenging work environment that encourages professional growth and development. Employees have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and contribute to the company's mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Rocket Lab's Auckland office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity.

Office Location(s): Auckland, New Zealand

Workspace Context:

• The Ground Systems team works in a dedicated office space, with access to relevant hardware, software, and testing equipment.
• The team collaborates closely with operations, test, and launch teams, requiring frequent communication and coordination.
• The role may require occasional travel to Rocket Lab's launch sites and other facilities.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines. The work schedule may vary depending on the specific needs of the project and the company's launch schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: Rocket Lab's work environment is fast-paced and demanding, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality products and services to customers. The company offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth and development to its employees.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

1. Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss your qualifications, experience, and career goals.
2. Technical Interview: A deeper dive into your technical skills, with a focus on control systems, programming languages, and problem-solving abilities.
3. Final Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager to discuss your fit with the team and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight your experience with control systems, automation, and instrumentation.
• Showcase your proficiency in programming languages, debugging skills, and documentation standards.
• Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and adapt to a fast-paced, innovative work environment.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Brush up on your knowledge of control systems, automation, and instrumentation.
• Familiarize yourself with Rocket Lab's mission, values, and company culture.
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, collaboration, and adaptability.

ATS Keywords: Control Systems, Automation, Instrumentation, Programming Languages, Debugging, Troubleshooting, Documentation, Collaboration, Agile, Launch Vehicles, Space Systems, Systems Engineering

📝 Enhancement Note: Rocket Lab's interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with the company. The company values diversity, inclusion, and work-life balance, and seeks candidates who are passionate about its mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Ground Systems Engineer I - Instrumentation & Control position at Rocket Lab USA:

1. Submit your application through the application link provided.
2. Customize your resume and portfolio to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements in control systems, automation, and instrumentation.
3. Prepare for the interview process by researching Rocket Lab's mission, values, and company culture, and practicing your problem-solving and communication skills.
4. Follow up with the hiring manager after the interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Rocket Lab USA before making application decisions.

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