20 Rocket Lab Interview Questions and Answers

Rocket Lab is an American aerospace manufacturer and launch service provider founded in 2006. The company’s first launch took place in May 2017, making it the first private company to reach orbit with its own rocket.

Rocket Lab is known for its innovative approach to space technology, and that extends to its interview process. If you’re interviewing for a job at Rocket Lab, you can expect to be asked some unique questions that will test your problem-solving skills and creativity.

In this article, we’ll give you an overview of the Rocket Lab interview process and some of the questions you can expect to be asked.

Rocket Lab Interview Process

The interview process at Rocket Lab can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone screening and one in-person interview. For some positions, there may also be a take-home design challenge. Overall, the interview process is relatively straightforward but can be time-consuming, especially if you are waiting to hear back from the company.

1. How do you think the aerospace industry will change in the next 5 years?

This question can help interviewers understand your knowledge of the industry and how you might fit in. Use examples from your experience to explain what you think will change, and how it could affect the aerospace industry as a whole.

Example: “I believe that we’ll see more private companies entering the space race. As technology becomes cheaper and easier to access, I think many smaller companies will start developing their own rockets. This will allow for more competition and innovation within the industry. It may also lead to some consolidation among larger companies who are looking to buy out these startups.”

2. What is your experience with designing and testing software for a rocket?

This question is a great way to see if you have the experience needed for this role. It also allows you to show your knowledge of software and how it can be used in rocket testing. When answering, make sure to include what type of software you worked with and any specific projects you completed.

Example: “I’ve had experience working with many different types of software when designing and testing rockets. I am very familiar with Autodesk Inventor, which is a 3D modeling program that helps me create designs for parts and components. I also use MATLAB, which is a programming language that helps me test my designs by running simulations on them.”

3. Tell me about a time when you had to solve an issue that was not straightforward, how did you approach it?

This question can allow you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and how you approach challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a time when you had to solve an issue that was more complex than it initially seemed.

Example: “At my previous job, I worked with a team of engineers who were tasked with creating a new software program for our company. We spent several weeks developing the initial version of the program, but once we started testing it, we realized there were some bugs in the system. Rather than scrapping the entire project, we decided to take a step back and rework the program. This allowed us to fix the issues while still completing the task.”

4. Describe your experience building rockets.

This question is a great way to see how much experience you have in the aerospace industry. It also shows your interviewer that you understand what it takes to build rockets and other space vehicles. When answering this question, be sure to include details about the materials used and any challenges you faced while building rockets.

Example: “I’ve been working on rockets for five years now. I started out as an intern at a rocket company where I learned all of the basics of building rockets. After my internship, I was hired full-time by another rocket company where I worked with experienced engineers who taught me more advanced techniques. Now, I’m ready to take on a leadership role.”

5. Do you feel comfortable working independently?

This question is a great way to assess your ability to work independently. Employers ask this question because they want to know if you can complete tasks on your own without needing constant supervision or feedback from them. In your answer, try to explain that you are comfortable working alone and that you enjoy the independence of completing projects on your own.

Example: “I feel very comfortable working independently. I have been doing so for quite some time now, and I am used to it. When I first started my career as an engineer, I was nervous about working alone but quickly learned how to do it effectively. Now, I prefer working alone because I can focus more on my work rather than having to communicate with others.”

6. Rocket Lab emphasizes innovation. What are some of your ideas on how we can innovate our products?

This question is an opportunity to show your creativity and problem-solving skills. You can answer this question by describing a time you innovated something in the past, or you can describe what you would do if you were tasked with innovating at Rocket Lab.

Example: “In my last role as a software engineer, I was tasked with creating a new feature for our product that would allow customers to track their shipments online. After researching similar products, I found that most of them didn’t have this feature. So, I decided to create a tracking system using GPS technology. This allowed us to differentiate ourselves from other companies and helped us gain more customers.”

7. Why do you want to work at Rocket Lab?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something specific about Rocket Lab that interests you or what drew you to apply for the position.

Example: “I want to work at Rocket Lab because I am passionate about space exploration and think your company is doing great things in the industry. I have always been interested in space travel and would love to be part of a team that makes it possible for more people to experience space. I also really like how open-minded and innovative your company seems to be.”

8. Can you tell us about a time where you disagreed with a decision made by your direct manager, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle disagreements in the workplace. It can also show them how you work with your manager and other team members to come to a solution or compromise. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention that you came to an agreement with your manager and explain what steps you took to resolve the disagreement.

Example: “In my last role as a software developer, I disagreed with my manager’s decision to use one specific coding language over another. While I understood why they made this choice, I felt like using the other coding language would have been more beneficial for the company. Instead of voicing my concerns during our meeting, I decided to take some time to research both coding languages and their pros and cons. After doing so, I presented my findings to my manager and we discussed the best way to implement the coding language I suggested.”

9. What would you say is your greatest strength and weakness?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be honest. Employers want to know what your greatest strengths are so they can use them when you’re on the job. They also want to know about any weaknesses that you’re working on improving or have already improved.

Example: “My greatest strength is my attention to detail. I’m always looking for ways to improve processes and make sure everything is done correctly. My weakness is that sometimes I get too focused on details and forget to look at the big picture. I’ve been working on this by taking more breaks throughout the day to remind myself of the company’s goals.”

10. If hired, what would be your approach to designing software for a rocket?

This question is an opportunity to show your technical skills and how you would apply them in a new role. Your answer should include the steps you would take to design software for a rocket, including what tools you would use and why they are important.

Example: “I would start by researching the requirements of the project. I would then create a prototype that meets all the requirements and test it before moving on to development. Once the system is fully developed, I would perform quality assurance testing to ensure there are no bugs or errors. Finally, I would launch the rocket.”

11. What is your experience with designing and testing mechanical components?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with a specific skill that’s important for this role. Use examples from your past to show how you’ve used this skill and what kind of results you achieved.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for designing and testing mechanical components on our company’s satellite launch vehicles. This included creating 3D models of the mechanical systems and testing them in a lab setting. After testing, I would analyze the data and make any necessary changes before sending it back to the engineers who were working on the electrical components.”

12. Do you have any experience working in a team environment?

Teamwork is an essential skill for any employee at Rocket Lab. The company values employees who can work well with others and collaborate to achieve common goals. Your answer should show that you are a team player and have experience working in a group setting.

Example: “I’ve worked in a team environment throughout my career, including when I was studying for my degree. In college, I took several classes where we had to work together on projects. I also participated in the school’s rocketry club, which required us to work as a team to design and build rockets. My teammates and I learned how to communicate effectively and solve problems together.”

13. Give an example of a time when you had to solve a problem that was not straightforward. How did you approach the problem?

This question can allow you to show your problem-solving skills and how you approach challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you had to solve a problem that was not straightforward.

Example: “At my previous job, I worked with a team of engineers who were tasked with creating a new software program for the company. We spent several weeks working on the project, but when we tested the program, there were many bugs in the system. The entire team met to discuss what we could do to fix the issue. After some discussion, we decided to scrap the current program and start over. It took us another two weeks to create a new program, but once we did, it was much more efficient than the first one.”

14. We want our engineers to be able to work independently. Do you think you would be a good fit for that type of environment?

This question is a great way to determine if you are ready for an independent role. It also allows the interviewer to see how you feel about working independently and whether or not you would be able to thrive in that type of environment. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to discuss your previous experience with independence and how you felt about it.

Example: “I have had several opportunities to work independently throughout my career. I find that I am very comfortable working on my own and enjoy having the freedom to make decisions without needing approval from others. In fact, I think I perform better when I don’t need to wait for someone else to give me feedback before making changes.”

15. What is your experience with designing and releasing software?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with a specific skill that’s important for this role. Use examples from previous work to explain how you’ve used software design and release processes in your past roles.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for designing and releasing new features on our company website. My team and I would meet weekly to discuss what we were working on and what we could accomplish within the week. We also had monthly meetings where we discussed larger projects and goals for the next month. This helped us stay organized and ensure we met deadlines.”

16. Provide an example of a software development project you have worked on.

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of software development and the skills you have developed. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention any specific tools or languages you used in the past.

Example: “In my last role as a senior developer, I worked on several projects that involved creating new features for our company’s website. One project was adding a live chat feature so customers could ask questions about our products without having to call customer service. Another project was integrating an online store into our website so customers could purchase products directly from us.”

17. How often do you like to be in contact with your team when working on a project?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you interact with your team and what type of communication style you have. Your answer should show that you value teamwork and collaboration, but also know when to take on tasks independently.

Example: “I like to be in contact with my team as often as possible while working on a project. I find it helpful to ask questions or get feedback from my teammates so we can work together to solve problems and complete our goals. However, if I’m working on something alone, I try to check in with my team at least once per day to let them know how things are going.”

18. Describe your experience working with mechanical components.

Mechanical components are a key part of the rocket building process. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with mechanical parts and can complete tasks like installing, repairing or replacing them. In your answer, explain which mechanical components you’ve worked with in the past and what types of projects you completed using these components.

Example: “In my last role as an aerospace engineer, I was responsible for designing and testing new rockets. This required me to work with many different mechanical components, including engines, fuel tanks and landing gear. During my time at Rocket Lab, I would be responsible for creating blueprints for each component and then testing those designs to ensure they were safe for use.”

19. Which area of engineering are you most interested in?

This question is a great way to see if you are passionate about the role. It also allows you to show your knowledge of the company and its products. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention an area that relates to what you will be doing in the position.

Example: “I am most interested in propulsion systems. I find them fascinating because they allow rockets to travel into space. Rocket Lab has some amazing propulsion systems, which makes me excited for the opportunity to work here.”

20. What are your thoughts on the current state of the aerospace industry?

The aerospace industry is constantly changing, and employers want to know that you’re aware of the current trends. Use your answer to show that you have a passion for this field and are excited about what’s happening in it. You can also use this question as an opportunity to talk about any personal goals or ambitions you have for yourself within the industry.

Example: “I think the aerospace industry is going through some exciting changes right now. I’m personally very interested in space tourism, so I’ve been following Virgin Galactic closely. It’s amazing to see how far they’ve come since their first launch. I would love to work at a company like theirs one day.”