Global Head of AI

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

GLOBAL HEAD OF AI

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's Auckland, NZ facility, the Global Head of AI is responsible for leading the AI team, architecting scalable AI solutions, and driving data excellence across the organization. You will support the Executive Leadership team and the AI department, with a focus on strategic direction, technical leadership, and successful execution of AI initiatives.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Lead as a hands-on subject matter expert, architecting and crafting scalable AI solutions.
• Architect a full AI Platform and specify the infrastructure to support scalability.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and project managers to turn business goals into technical solutions.
• Define best AI/ML practices and oversee the AI lifecycle, including model training and optimization.
• Provide vision and leadership to the AI team, coordinating projects effectively and planning workloads to meet product roadmap requirements.
• Maintain accurate budgets to support financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with company financial policies and procedures.
• Prepare internal reports, including performance and variance analyses for management and the Board, as requested.
• Additional duties as reasonably required.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 12+ years of experience in engineering, computer science, or related quantitative field and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of work experience (16 years total work experience)
• 2+ years of AI/ML or a related field.
• High-level experience in AI/ML fundamentals and a strong background in software.
• Up-to-date knowledge of AI/ML technologies and trends, including various libraries and tools.
• Experience defining and leading large-scale projects with multiple stakeholders.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Leadership experience with a successful track record in team building and maintenance.
• Expertise in advanced technologies such as transfer learning, unsupervised feature generation, and reinforcement learning.
• Advanced data science and mathematical skills.
• Strong analytical skills – able to see the big picture, make connections, and appropriate decisions.
• The ability to develop and maintain relationships with a broad range of people of varying backgrounds.

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. 

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 here ITAR Regulations.