# Senior Ground Support Engineer I at Rocket Lab > United States · Senior · Software engineering · open. Source: https://alderhq.app/jobs/greenhouse%3Arocketlab%3A8003038003 (read 2026-11-11). ## Facts (observed) - Company: [Rocket Lab](https://alderhq.app/companies/rocket-lab) - Location text: Middle River, MD; Space Structures Complex (SSC) - Where it can be done from (inferred): United States (evidence: "Location: Middle River, MD; Space Structures Complex (SSC)") - Posted: 2026-11-09 (2 days ago) - First seen by alder: 2026-11-10 · last verified: 2026-11-11 - Reposted: 0 times · edited: 0 times - Apply on the employer's site: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/rocketlab/jobs/8003038003 ## Pay and sponsorship - Posted pay: $156k–$172k per year (from the listing's pay field) - Market band for similar posted roles (United States, n 4707): p25 $155k, median $180k, p75 $207k ## Description (the employer's text) ### ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us. ### 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! ### GROUND SUPPORT ENGINEER Rocket Lab is seeking a GSE Engineer to support the Neutron Program based out of Middle River, MD. GSE Engineers design, analyze, procure, test, and operate Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and tooling for rocket production, transport, and test operations. This role can be filled at the Level II or Senior level, depending on experience. ### WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO - Concept and design production tooling, ground support equipment, and transport tooling based on inputs from manufacturing engineers and the production group - Perform structural analysis through hand calculations and FEA to ensure designs meet margining requirements - Produce engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions to communicate design specifications and assembly tasks to fabricators and technicians - Coordinate and perform proof testing on equipment to ensure that fabrication and assembly meets the requirements of the design - Own the schedule, fabrication, and commissioning/implementation of your projects - Provide technical guidance to internal machinists, fabricators, technicians, and procurement team to deliver projects on time ### YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR GROUND SUPPORT ENGINEER I - Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, or a related engineering discipline - 5+ years of tooling design and analysis experience (or 9+ years of experience in lieu of a degree) - Technical project management or manufacturing design experience - Advanced understanding of mechanical design principles including GD&T, efficient load paths, structural connections, and material properties - Experience designing large structures for critical operations, such as crane lifts, transport, vertical and horizontal structural alignment, and production tooling ### THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE - Tooling manufacturing experience in aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, marine, or other large-scale fabrication industries - Advanced non-linear FEA, CFD, and heat transfer analysis methods - Proficiency reading electrical schematics and P&ID’s - Experience with metrology via measurement arm or laser tracker - Experience integrating hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical power systems (e.g., screws, hoists) - Experience developing lift plans and specifying rigging for mobile and overhead cranes - Project management experience in a fast-paced prototype fabrication shop - Proficiency with Siemens NX or similar CAD/PLM software - Hands-on proficiency with hand tools and basic fabrication equipment ### ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance. Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company. --- Data: alder (https://alderhq.app). Cite https://alderhq.app/jobs/greenhouse%3Arocketlab%3A8003038003 and the date you read it. Observed facts come from the employer's own listing; location reach, level, family and skills are inferences.