Senior Development Engineer Auckland, New Zealand

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!

ELECTRON
Rocket Lab’s Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across our launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is one of the world’s most frequently launched rockets, and our team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each other’s back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again.

SENIOR DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER

The Vehicle Development team designs and improves the structures, mechanisms, and fluid systems of the Electron Vehicle, including analysis and testing to ensure requirements are met. They collaborate with production, avionics, and propulsion teams to achieve project goals. Responsibilities include managing requirements, CAD, and testing of structural components, pressure vessels, and mechanical parts. The role involves mentoring within the Electron Engineering division while contributing to engineering outputs. Success is measured by the value of development and testing expertise, leadership in projects, collaboration across teams, and effective prioritisation of tasks. Join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

1. Design & Prototyping:
   • Concept and iterate to achieve robust vehicle designs using NX/SolidWorks.
   • Manufacture prototypes and work with production to refine first articles.
   • Document design requirements and learnings.
2. Verification, Testing & Troubleshooting:
   • Develop and document test equipment, procedures, and analyses.
   • Manage and verify design adherence to requirements.
   • Conduct and automate testing, ensuring thorough documentation.
   • Investigate and resolve anomalies, applying engineering judgment to non-conforming products.
3. Planning & Execution:
   • Formulate and review test plans for aerospace standards compliance.
   • Execute development project plans and milestones for cross-functional teams.
   • Direct and conduct tests and analyse data to guide product development and risk assessment.
   • Maintain high standards in testing methodology and documentation.
   • Serve as a role model and mentor to the engineering team, fostering engagement and output.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in aerospace, mechanical, or mechatronic engineering, or equivalent.
• 5+ years in mechanical systems development/testing with expertise in one mechanical engineering domain.
• Understanding of signal acquisition, measurement, error, and accuracy.
• Strong under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Good hands-on engineering skills.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and systems-level thinking.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on high-quality, efficient work.
• Flexible and adaptable to change.
• Tenacious, with a can-do attitude and quick, accurate judgment.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Postgraduate engineering degree.
• Strong experience in one of these areas: pressurised mechanical systems, mechanical moving assemblies, composite structures, cryogenic systems (including oxygen service).
• Proficient with Solidworks or NX.
• Skilled in a scripting language (Python or Matlab) for data processing.
• Familiar with the National Instruments ecosystem.

Interested, Apply today!

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.

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.

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 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.

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