Development Engineer - Thermal Protection Systems

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

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Development Engineer II focused on Thermal Protection Systems. You will design and iterate TPS components for the Neutron launch vehicle, collaborating with analysis, design, and manufacturing teams to translate concepts into precise components using metallic and composite materials.

You will lead 1D and 2D/3D analysis, develop hardware and test articles for development testing, and support qualification, manufacturing, and integration activities while mentoring junior

Qualifications

• Aerospace, mechanical or mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent qualification.
• 2-4 years of design experience in high-performance mechanical or thermal systems.
• Strong understanding of material science, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and aerodynamics in TPS.

Responsibilities

• Drive rapid conceptual CAD designs for TPS and subassemblies in metallic and composite structures.
• Design elements like assemblies, seals, interfaces, and fasteners with analysts to meet specs.
• Lead creation of detailed drawings and assembly models for manufacture.

Skills

CAD design

Thermal protection systems

Materials science

Analysis & testing

Communication & teamwork

Education

Aerospace/Mechanical/Mechatronic degree

Tools

CAD software

Modeling tools

Python & MATLAB

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.

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 – THERMAL PROTECTION SYSTEMS

As a Development Engineer specializing in Thermal Protection Systems (TPS), you'll be at the forefront of designing cutting‑edge vehicle structures that withstand extreme environments. Collaborating closely with analysis, design, and manufacturing teams, you'll transform innovative concepts into detailed designs and precision‑engineered components using advanced metallic and composite materials. Your expertise in testing, control, modelling, and analysis will be critical to ensuring the performance and reliability of these systems. This is your opportunity to push the boundaries of engineering and contribute to the creation of next‑generation aerospace technologies!

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

• Drive innovation by creating and rapidly iterating conceptual designs in CAD for cutting‑edge thermal protection systems and subassemblies across metallic and composite structures for the Neutron launch vehicle.
• Design critical elements such as composite assemblies, material stack‑ups, joint details, seals, fastening solutions, and metallic interfaces, while collaborating closely with analysts to ensure structural and thermal requirements are met with precision.
• Lead the creation of detailed drawing packages and assembly models, working hand‑in‑hand with the production team to ensure seamless design‑for‑manufacture throughout the process.
• Own, maintain, and manage analysis tools and methods for 1D and 2D/3D analysis of thermal performance of design features.
• Design and implement hardware, instrumentation, and test articles to streamline development testing and correlation of models, enabling efficient validation of components and assemblies.
• Support TPS solutions hands‑on through qualification, manufacturing, and integration activities via direct engagement with interfacing technical teams.
• Collaborate with Thermofluids and structures teams as primary interface on aerothermal and TPS related tools and topics
• Inspire and empower the next generation of engineers by providing mentorship and technical guidance to junior team members, leveraging and creating technical documentation to enhance capabilities through analysis tools and thermal testing procedures.

You’ll Bring These Qualifications

• Aerospace, mechanical or mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent qualification
• 2 - 4 years of design experience, designing high performance mechanical or thermal systems
• A strong understanding of material science, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and aerodynamics, with specific focus on their application to TPS
• 2 years experience with CAD software and modelling tools for mechanical and thermal design and analysis
• 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 engineering fundamentals (mechanics of materials, thermodynamics, material property characterization, design best practices, analysis methods, and manufacturing processes)
• Advanced skills with Python and MATLAB
• Familiarity with CFD – StarCCM, Ansys Fluent, COMSOL or equivalent
• Familiarity with engineering trade studies and material selection
• Experience with thermal testing, data acquisition, test hardware, and test planning
• Experience in one of the following domain areas:

• Composite structures
• Metallic structures
• Materials characterization and testing
• Transient thermal response modelling
• High temperature and insulative materials
• Hands‑on experience with TPS material, technologies, and manufacturing
• Spacecraft or launch vehicles

NOTE: Along with a CV and Cover Letter, please attach a recent CAD portfolio with your application for review.

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]. 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. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.