Brand Designer

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an integrated aerospace company providing comprehensive launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. Its mission is to facilitate greater access to space, supporting a range of vital activities such as scientific research, Earth observation, climate change initiatives, national security, and cutting-edge technology demonstration.

The company’s Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched US rocket annually, having placed over 230 satellites into orbit. Additionally, Rocket Lab is developing Neutron, a medium-lift reusable launch vehicle intended for deploying larger satellite constellations. The Space Systems division constructs satellites, payloads, and components utilized in high-profile missions, including NASA’s Moon and Mars projects and the James Webb Space Telescope.

Marketing & Communications

The Marketing & Communications department drives storytelling at Rocket Lab, making complex aerospace technology accessible and engaging. Through media, social platforms, video, events, merchandise, and design, the team collaborates across the business to communicate impactful messages and showcase inspiring missions.

Role Overview: Brand Designer

This role, based onsite either in Auckland, New Zealand or Long Beach, California, requires a creative and technically adept Brand Designer to produce compelling visual assets ranging from mission patches to merchandise, presentations, event graphics, digital campaigns, and website content. You will work alongside the Brand Design Lead and various internal teams, handling projects that vary from technical renders to social campaigns and unique rocket livery designs destined for orbit.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality visual designs for digital, print, presentations, and events.
• Transform complex aerospace concepts into simple, engaging visuals.
• Develop branded materials for product launches, campaigns, and corporate messaging.
• Assist in producing video, motion graphics, and social media content.
• Manage several concurrent projects while adhering to Rocket Lab's brand guidelines.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors to ensure smooth execution of creative assets including merchandise, trade show booths, websites, and printed collateral.
• Participate in evolving the company’s visual identity as it expands.
• Design mission insignias, spacecraft livery, and specialized aerospace visuals.
• Maintain organized design asset libraries and systems.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years professional graphic design experience plus a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience totaling at least 9 years.
• Strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• A portfolio that showcases proficiency in brand design.
• Experience in merchandise and swag development, including vendor management through production.
• Knowledge of typography, layout, color theory, and visual hierarchy principles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in aerospace, defense, or deep technology industries.
• Familiarity with motion graphics, video editing, or 3D rendering applications.
• Understanding of web design and tools such as Figma or Sketch.
• Experience with 3D modeling software like Cinema 4D, Blender, or KeyShot.
• Design experience for live events, exhibitions, or immersive activations.
• Skills in photography and art direction for photoshoots.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving environment and adapt rapidly to shifting priorities.
• Strong communicator capable of presenting creative concepts clearly.
• A collaborative approach open to feedback and iterative improvement.
• Passion for storytelling and skill in converting technical subjects into compelling visual narratives.

Additional Information

The job may involve extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, routine computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Important for US Applicants: Compliance with US government space technology export laws (ITAR) requires US citizenship, permanent residency, refugee or asylum status, or eligibility to obtain authorizations under US State or Commerce Departments.

Important for New Zealand Applicants: Security background checks including nationality verification are necessary given ITAR regulations. Eligibility requires citizenship from select countries including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, EU nations, or NATO members.

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on any protected ground including race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status, maintaining equitable terms and conditions for all employees.