Senior Equipment Engineer I

About the role

This position is accountable for the lifecycle management and operational readiness of SolAero facilities and infrastructure. The primary responsibility is to convert mission requirements into technical specifications for critical built environments. Success in this role ensures continuous, safe, and compliant production facility operations.

Location

Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Engagement

Full-time.

Compensation

The annual salary range is $103,800.00 to $154,200.00.

What you'll do

You will formulate and implement strategies for managing all building systems, specifically mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, safety, and waste management. A core function involves translating manufacturing and testing requirements into detailed specifications for electrical, network, HVAC, and fluid systems, including air, nitrogen, vacuum, and water distribution.

The role requires planning, justifying, and executing capital projects focused on facility upgrades, equipment installations, and layout improvements. You will work closely with operations, maintenance, and external subcontractors to verify that all equipment meets established safety and operational standards.

Developing and enforcing maintenance policies is essential to ensure the integrity of buildings, grounds, and related equipment. You will guarantee that all maintenance activities adhere to safety protocols and contractual specifications, while meticulously tracking and closing work orders within financial guidelines. Applying Lean methodologies to facility design and production systems is a key duty to optimize resource efficiency.

The position also supports equipment selection, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and production commissioning. You will troubleshoot complex technical issues, implement corrective actions, and execute preventive maintenance schedules to maximize uptime. Monitoring equipment performance data and conducting evaluations to drive efficiency upgrades is a regular responsibility. Collaboration with the EHS department is mandatory to maintain rigorous OSHA and environmental compliance. You will additionally support commissioning efforts for upgrades, including system integration and layout validation.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related discipline is required. Candidates must have three years of experience in building systems or facilities maintenance. The ability to interpret technical documentation for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems is non-negotiable. Proficiency in applying Lean principles to enhance production and facility workflows is expected.

Effective communication with internal operations teams, maintenance staff, and external vendors is critical. You will manage projects from inception to closure, tracking schedules and costs to meet budget targets. Strict compliance with procedures is necessary to ensure all deliverables meet specifications and safety standards. You will utilize systematic troubleshooting methodologies to resolve issues and deploy effective solutions.

Nice to have

Proven experience with vacuum, air, nitrogen, water, and other fluid distribution systems is advantageous.

Skills & tools

Proficiency with MS Office, AutoCAD, Siemens PCS 7, Rockwell FactoryTalk, and Adobe Acrobat is expected.

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 to 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, 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.

Space Systems

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we are building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.