Graphic Designer

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a full-service space company that provides rapid launch solutions, spacecraft design and production, payloads, satellite parts, and related services. Its work supports major missions around the world, including scientific research, Earth observation, climate-focused initiatives, national security, and technology demonstrations. The company’s Electron rocket has become the second-most launched U.S. rocket each year and has placed more than 230 satellites into orbit. Rocket Lab is also developing Neutron, a reusable medium-lift launch vehicle for larger constellation deployments. Its Space Systems division creates satellites, payloads, and components that have been chosen for NASA lunar and Mars missions, as well as parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Marketing & Communications

The Marketing & Communications team serves as Rocket Lab’s storytelling hub. The group turns complex ideas into clear, inspiring stories through media relations, social media, video, events, merchandise, and design, helping communicate the company’s mission to key audiences across the business.

Role overview

Rocket Lab is seeking a creative and technically capable Graphic / Brand Designer to join its Auckland, New Zealand site. In this onsite role, you will produce high-impact visuals across many formats, including mission patches, merchandise, presentations, event graphics, digital campaigns, and website content. You will work closely with the Brand Design Lead and partner with teams across the company. The position suits someone who can own projects from idea to delivery, work quickly across varied assignments, and move work forward independently without needing close supervision. This role may also be based in Long Beach, California.

What you will do

• Create polished visual assets for digital channels, printed materials, presentations, and event experiences.
• Build visual ideas that make advanced aerospace topics easier to understand and more engaging for different audiences.
• Develop branded creative for product launches, mission campaigns, and corporate messaging.
• Assist with motion graphics, video-related creative, and social media content production.
• Handle several projects at once while keeping all output aligned with Rocket Lab’s brand guidelines.
• Work with outside vendors and internal teams to deliver creative materials smoothly, including merchandise, booth graphics, websites, and printed items.
• Help shape and improve Rocket Lab’s visual style as the company expands.
• Design mission patches, vehicle liveries, and other specialized aerospace visuals.
• Keep design assets, libraries, and systems well organized.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of professional graphic design experience, plus a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent 9+ years of total work experience.
• Advanced working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, especially Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• A portfolio that shows strong brand design capability.
• Hands-on experience creating merchandise and swag, including working with vendors through production and final delivery.
• Solid understanding of typography, layout, color use, and visual hierarchy.
• Comfort working in a fast-moving environment with shifting priorities.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to present creative ideas clearly.
• A team-oriented approach and the ability to accept feedback and revise quickly.
• Interest in storytelling and turning technical content into compelling visuals.

Nice-to-have experience

• Background in aerospace, space, defense, or other deep-tech sectors.
• Exposure to motion graphics, video editing, or 3D rendering tools.
• Knowledge of web design concepts and tools such as Figma or Sketch.
• Experience with 3D software such as Cinema 4D, Blender, or KeyShot.
• Experience designing for live events, exhibitions, or immersive activations.
• Understanding of photography direction and creative direction for photo shoots.

Work environment and physical requirements

This position may involve extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer-based work. It may also include occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

What to expect

Rocket Lab is focused on using space to improve life on Earth, and it expects a high level of commitment from its people. The company values hard work, determination, innovation, teamwork, resilience, and a strong drive to deliver. Team members are expected to support one another, keep egos in check, and contribute across both major and minor tasks. The work environment is fast-paced, deadline-driven, and centered on execution rather than dwelling on obstacles.

Important information for U.S. candidates

For roles in U.S. offices, employment is subject to export-control requirements under ITAR and related regulations. Eligible employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or otherwise be eligible for the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Rocket Lab also provides equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate or tolerate harassment on the basis of protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodation requests for the U.S. application or interview process should be directed to the designated contact listed by the company.

Important information for New Zealand candidates

For security reasons, background checks will be completed before any offer is made. These checks include nationality verification because access to equipment and data governed by U.S. ITAR rules is required for this role. Candidates may be ineligible if they do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO member country, or if they have an ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.