Development Engineer II

JobSpace; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in New Zealand is seeking a Development Engineer to help design, test and optimize mission-critical mechanical systems across the Electron launch vehicle.

You will translate concepts into CAD models, lead test planning and contribute to safety and qualification standards.

Qualifications

• Degree in aerospace, mechanical or mechatronic engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 3+ years designing and testing high performance mechanical systems.
• Experience with instrumentation and data interpretation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Produce CAD designs and design documentation, including FMEA and P&IDs.
• Formulate and execute comprehensive test plans for aerospace components.
• Collaborate with analysis and manufacturing teams on anomaly resolution and design improvements.
• Own assigned tasks, plan, estimate, and deliver within scope and schedule.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety and SOPs across the project.

Skills

Years of experience

CAD design

Test planning

Anomaly resolution

Team collaboration

Under pressure

Education

Aerospace/mechanical/mechatronic engineering degree

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

CATIA

Teamcenter

Windchill

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. 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.

Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab. Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space. You'll work alongside driven, talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels, all committed to the same mission. Our engineering team members span design, analysis, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, assembly and integration, quality control, engineering documentation, and more.

Development Engineers deliver design, testing, and continuous improvement of mission-critical systems across the Electron launch vehicle, spanning structural, mechanical, fluid, and thermal domains. This includes propellant tanks, interstages, fairings, stage separation systems, landing mechanisms, aerodynamic controls, pressurant systems, propellant management, ignition systems, HVAC, and thermal protection.

Working collaboratively with analysis and manufacturing engineers, this role drives the complete development lifecycle—from initial concept and iterative CAD design through detailed drawing packages for mechanical components and assemblies. The position encompasses comprehensive test planning and execution for development and qualification activities, ensuring all materials, components, and assemblies meet stringent functional and performance requirements.

This role requires technical expertise and collaboration with cross-functional teams, combining strategic problem-solving with hands‑on engineering to enable rapid innovation while maintaining the highest safety standards.

What You'll Get To Do:

• Produce & rapidly iterate conceptual designs in CAD, produce design documentation, FMEA, P&IDs, ICDs etc, and produce test jigs / fixtures to aid with fabrication, assembly, and development testing of components & assemblies
• Formulate comprehensive test plans to ensure compliance with common aerospace standards, execute hands‑on test activities, and apply your expertise particularly in the area of structures to the analysis and understanding of test results
• Work closely with the wider development and analysis teams on anomaly resolution and design improvements, support ongoing vehicle development of the vehicle through established engineering change process, and leverage your experience to offer insights into off‑nominal behaviour and performing failure modes and effects analysis for existing designs
• Assume ownership for improvements and challenges in your assigned responsibility, break down tasks, plan, estimate, and cut scope to ship on time, and prioritise in alignment with company goals
• Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed, correct PPE is worn in designated areas, and report near‑misses and incidents promptly

You’ll Bring These Qualifications:

• Aerospace, mechanical or mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent qualification
• 3+ years developing and testing high performance mechanical systems, with a focus on structures and/or mechanisms
• Experience with instrumentation selection, setup, post‑processing, and interpretation of static & dynamic test data (load cells, accelerometers, strain gauges, pressure transducers etc.)
• The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team environment
• Sound analytical skills and the ability to see the big picture and making connections and appropriate decisions

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:

• Experience in one of the following domain areas: Composites structures, Large scale structural testing, Cryogenic systems, Pressurised systems, Mechanical moving assemblies
• Experience with CAD software such as NX (preferred), Solidworks, CATIA
• Experience using Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter (preferred), Windchill, or similar
• Programming in C+, matlab, labview or other
• Experience writing/reviewing safety risk assessments

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.