Brand Designer

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space enterprise providing responsive launch services, spacecraft design, manufacturing, satellite components, and payloads to support critical global missions. Their Electron rocket is among the most frequently launched U.S. rockets, delivering over 230 satellites to orbit. Rocket Lab is also developing Neutron, a medium-lift reusable launch vehicle for large-scale constellation deployments. Their space systems include spacecraft designed for NASA’s Moon and Mars missions and components utilized by the James Webb Space Telescope.

Marketing & Communications

The Marketing & Communications division is responsible for crafting compelling narratives that translate intricate aerospace technology into engaging stories. They manage media relations, social media, video, events, merchandise, and design to amplify Rocket Lab’s missions and innovations.

Role Overview

We seek a highly creative and technically proficient Brand Designer to be based at our Long Beach, CA headquarters. This role involves creating impactful visuals ranging from mission patches and merchandise to presentations, event graphics, digital campaigns, and website content. You will collaborate closely with the Brand Design Lead and multiple teams, working across technical renderings, social media, and rocket livery designs. Candidates must be self-driven, communicative, and capable of managing projects independently from idea to completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-impact graphics for digital platforms, printed collateral, presentations, and event materials.
• Develop visual concepts that simplify complex aerospace technologies for broad audiences.
• Design branded assets supporting product launches, mission campaigns, and corporate messaging.
• Assist in producing video content, motion graphics, and social media visuals.
• Handle multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring consistency with Rocket Lab’s brand standards.
• Coordinate with external vendors and internal teams for flawless execution of creative projects including merchandise, booths, websites, and print.
• Contribute to the growth and evolution of Rocket Lab’s visual identity.
• Design unique aerospace-related graphics such as mission patches and rocket liveries.
• Maintain organized design asset libraries and systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years professional graphic design experience and either a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience (total 9+ years of work experience).
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating experience in brand-centric design.
• Experience producing merchandise and coordinating with vendors through the production cycle.
• Solid understanding of typography, layout, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

Preferred Skills

• Background in aerospace, defense, space, or deep technology sectors.
• Familiarity with motion graphics, video editing, or 3D rendering software.
• Understanding of web design tools like Figma or Sketch.
• Experience with 3D software such as Cinema 4D, Blender, or KeyShot.
• Experience designing for live events, exhibitions, or experiential marketing activations.
• Expertise in directing photography and art direction for photoshoots.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced settings and adapt promptly to shifting priorities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills for creative concepts.
• Collaborative approach with openness to feedback and rapid iteration.
• Passion for storytelling by transforming technical subjects into captivating visual narratives.

Working Conditions

This position may involve extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, working at a computer, and occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary ranges from $82,000 to $103,000 USD annually within California, determined on experience, education, and skills. Compensation includes company equity and access to a comprehensive benefits package featuring premium medical plans (HMO, PPO, HSA), dental, vision, paid vacation (3 weeks), sick leave (5 days), 11 paid holidays, flexible spending accounts, parental leave, disability, life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with matching. Additional perks include an employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging, onsite gym, and food discounts. Eligibility for benefits may vary by employment status. Benefits are subject to change at company discretion.

Company Culture

At Rocket Lab, we are committed to unlocking space’s potential to improve life on Earth through relentless innovation, teamwork, and dedication. We value collaboration, a can-do attitude, and perseverance under pressure, focusing on delivering results over obstacles.

Legal and Compliance Notes

For U.S. Based Candidates: Employment requires U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, refugee status, asylum, or eligibility for necessary U.S. Government export authorizations due to ITAR regulations.

For New Zealand Based Candidates: Employment includes background and nationality checks per ITAR compliance, restricting eligibility to certain nationalities including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, EU countries, NATO members, and may exclude others.

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer prohibiting discrimination based on protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants requiring assistance during application or interview processes.