New

Senior UX Design Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab USA
$120,000—$160,000 USD
vision insurance, parental leave, sick time, 401(k), retirement plan
United States, Colorado, Littleton
7815 Shaffer Parkway (Show on map)
May 02, 2026
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. SPACE SYSTEMS At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're 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. SENIOR UX DESIGN ENGINEER I/II Based out of our site in Littleton, CO, Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior UX Design Engineer I/II to lead the design and development of intuitive, mission critical user interfaces that support spacecraft operations, mission planning, and ground systems software. In this role, you will bridge the gap between design and engineering - transforming complex aerospace workflows into elegant, efficient, and highly usable digital tools. You will collaborate closely with software engineers, systems engineers, mission operators, and product teams to define user needs, prototype solutions, and deliver polished, production ready UI components. Your work will directly support national security missions, interplanetary exploration, and next generation space systems. This is a high impact role for someone who thrives at the intersection of UX design, frontend engineering, and human machine interaction. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Lead UX design efforts for mission operations tools, spacecraft command interfaces, and engineering software Translate complex aerospace workflows into intuitive user experiences Build interactive prototypes and front-end components to validate design concepts Partner with software engineering teams to ensure designs are technically feasible and implemented with high fidelity Conduct user research and usability testing with mission operators and engineering teams Develop and maintain design systems, UI standards, and reusable component libraries Advocate for user centered design across the Space Systems organization Contribute to the overall product strategy for ground and flight software tools (Please note: This position can be hired at the Senior UX Design Engineer I or Senior UX Design Engineer II level.) QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS SENIOR UX DESIGN ENGINEER I: Bachelor's degree in UX Design, HCI, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field 5+ years of experience in UX design, UX engineering, or front-end development Strong portfolio demonstrating complex system design, dashboards, or technical interfaces Proficiency with modern design tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, etc.) Experience building prototypes or UI components using HTML/CSS/JavaScript or modern frameworks Ability to translate technical requirements into user centered design solutions Experience designing information-dense displays with very large data sets Background in designing user interfaces with interactive features to drive user engagement U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements QUALIFICATIONSYOU'LL BRING AS SENIOR UX DESIGN ENGINEER II: Bachelor's degree in UX Design, HCI, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field 8+ years of experience in UX design, UX engineering, or front-end development Strong portfolio demonstrating complex system design, dashboards, or technical interfaces Proficiency with modern design tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, etc.) Experience building prototypes or UI components using HTML/CSS/JavaScript or modern frameworks Ability to translate technical requirements into user centered design solutions Experience designing information-dense displays with very large data sets Background in designing user interfaces with interactive features to drive user engagement U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements THESE QUALIFICATION WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Experience designing interfaces for aerospace, robotics, defense, or other mission critical systems Familiarity with spacecraft operations, telemetry visualization, or command/control systems Experience with frontend frameworks (Angular, React, Vue, TypeScript) Background in human machine interface (HMI) design Experience working with complex data visualization or real time systems Experience collaborating with software engineering teams in an agile environment Strong understanding of usability principles, interaction design, and information architecture ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing Must be physically able to commute to buildings Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package for this role.You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, andcan purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks. Base Pay Range (CO Only) $120,000 — $160,000 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.