Development Engineer II - Neutron

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand seeks a Development Engineer II to design, build and test fluid, mechanical and structural systems for the Neutron launch vehicle. You’ll translate requirements into real hardware and work with manufacturing to iterate prototypes.

The role demands 3–5 years in high-performance mechanical systems, CAD proficiency in NX/SolidWorks/CATIA, and strong teamwork under deadlines. You'll contribute to design documentation, FMEA, P&IDs, and test activities.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years designing high performance mechanical systems.
• Experience with CAD software such as NX (preferred), Fibersim (preferred), Solidworks, CATIA.
• 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 make connections.

Responsibilities

• Produce & rapidly iterate conceptual designs in CAD.
• Produce detailed design elements including composite inserts, laminates, joint details, metallic interfaces, and structural elements.
• Prepare drawing packages & laminate books.
• Produce test jigs/fixtures for fabrication, assembly, and testing of components.
• Define design requirements and design prototype parts.
• Improve design processes and address quality issues promptly.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

Pressure handling

Analytical thinking

Education

Aerospace, mechanical or mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent qualification

Tools

NX

Fibersim

SolidWorks

CATIA

Job description

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

NEUTRON

Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER II

Development Engineers deliver across a broad set of vehicle domains including structural (propellant tanks, interstages, fairings), mechanical (stage separation, aerodynamic control), fluid (pressurant, propellant management, ignition, HVAC), and thermal systems. The fluids‑focused Development Engineer II specialization owns the design, build, and testing of fluid systems across the Neutron launch vehicle. This includes all plumbing and hardware between the tanks and engines, translating vehicle‑level requirements into fluid networks that deliver aircraft‑like reusability and reliability. Engineers model system behaviour, size and select components, integrate with propulsion and vehicle systems, and iterate based on data from component, system, and vehicle‑level testing. This role will work directly with analysis and manufacturing engineers to produce concepts, detailed designs, and drawing packages for metallic and composites components & assemblies and to perform development & qualification tests, refine designs, and ensure Neutron’s materials, components, and assemblies meet their functional and performance requirements.

We are currently looking for candidates with experience in the following areas:

• Composites
• Moving Mechanical Assemblies
• Metallic Structures
• Fluid Routing
• Materials Engineering

What You'll Get To Do

• Produce & rapidly iterate conceptual designs in CAD;
• Produce detailed design elements including composite inserts, laminates, joint details, metallic interfaces, and secondary structural elements;
• Prepare drawing packages & laminate books, ensuring manufacturability is considered throughout the design process;
• Produce test jigs / fixtures to aid with fabrication, assembly, and development testing of components & assemblies
• Produce design documentation, FMEA, P&IDs, ICDs etc
• Defining design requirements
• Designing prototype parts
• Improving design processes
• Proactively addressing quality issues as they arise

You'll Bring These Qualifications

• Aerospace, mechanical or mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent qualification
• 3-5 years designing high performance mechanical systems
• Experience with CAD software such as NX (preferred), Fibersim (preferred), Solidworks, CATIA
• 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
• Have tenacity, a can-do attitude, and the ability to think quickly and make accurate judgements

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have

• Strong understanding of composites engineering fundamentals (mechanics of materials, classical lamination theory, material property characterization, design best practices, analysis methods, and manufacturing processes)
• Experience in one of the following domain areas:
• Cryogenic systems
• Pressurized systems
• Mechanical moving assemblies
• Fluid Systems
• Hands-on composites manufacturing experience

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.

Important Information

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. Learn more about ITAR here.

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 [e-mail] 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. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.