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Port Engineer

Rocket Lab USA
$104,900-$149,800 USD
life insurance, parental leave, paid holidays, sick time, 401(k), retirement plan
United States, Maryland, Middle River
Oct 23, 2025

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 rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. 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.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program. If you're interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

PORT ENGINEER

The Port Engineer will be based out of Rocket Lab's Space Structures Complex in Middle River, MD. The Port Engineer is responsible for the overall mechanical integrity and operational readiness of the recovery barge supporting rocket retrieval missions.This role oversees all engineering systems onboard, ensures compliance with maritime safety standards, and leads the technical crew in maintaining propulsion, power generation, and hydraulic systems essential to recovery operations.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:


  • Oversee all engineering systems onboard the Rocket Lab recovery teams ship and barge, including propulsion, electrical, hydraulic, and auxiliary systems
  • Lead and supervise engineering crew during recovery operations and routine maintenance
  • Coordinate with Rocket Labs engineering teams to ensure vessel readiness for Neutron related missions
  • Work with the USCG to ensure Rocket Lab maintains compliance with all related regulations and safety standards
  • Diagnose and address mechanical problems during operations, including responding to emergencies.
  • Oversee the management of fuel, water, and power systems to meet mission objectives.
  • Keep comprehensive records and reports detailing system performance, maintenance activities, and repairs.
  • Contribute to the planning and implementation of system upgrades or modifications for the barge.

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS A PORT ENGINEER:


  • Bachelor's degree in a Marine Engineering or other technical Engineering degree
  • 8+ years experience working in the maritime industry.
  • Will consider USCG Chief Engineer license with 12+ years experience in lieu of a bachelor's degree.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:


  • Strong understanding of maritime propulsion and power systems
  • USCG Engineering Officer License with OICEW
  • Experience working with shipyards or ABS
  • Familiarity with aerospace recovery operations or offshore mission support
  • Experience in Wartsila Power Generators
  • Experience with Schottel Thrusters
  • Excellent leadership and crisis management skills
  • Proficiency in maintenance planning and technical documentation
  • Ability to work in dynamic, high-pressure environments

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:


  • Ability to work in a high-concentration, high-stress environment; good response to problems posed by short deadlines; prolonged mental concentration (under possible extended work hours)
  • Willing to support offshore operations, including working recovery missions at sea averaging 5 or more days per quarter
  • Position may require long hours (10-12+ hour days) and weekend work
  • Willing to work in extreme outdoor environments - heat, cold, rain, wind, open ocean
  • Ability to climb ladders and work in tight/confined spaces
  • Willing to work with hazardous materials
  • Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings, climbing hand over hand, and lifting 25 lbs.
  • Ability to operate heavy machinery

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, and free snacks/drinks onsite.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Base Pay Range (MD Only)
$104,900 $149,800 USD

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, 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.

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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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 hereITAR Regulations.

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