Junior Development Engineer: Aerospace Structures & CAD

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Development Engineer II to contribute to vehicle structure development for the Neutron program. The role involves CAD design for primary and secondary metallic and composite structures, working with analysts to size components, and ensuring manufacturability with production teams.

You will create fixtures and drawings, and address technical challenges to keep projects on schedule. Applicants should have an engineering degree in aerospace/mechanical/mechatronics and CAD

Qualifications

• Aerospace/mechanical/mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent qualification.
• Proven engineering experience aligned to typical engineering roles.
• Experience using CAD tools NX, SolidWorks or CATIA.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong analytical capabilities and sound judgement.

Responsibilities

• Produce and iterate conceptual CAD designs for metallic and composite structures.
• Own design elements like inserts, laminates, joints, interfaces, and secondary structures.
• Create drawing packages and technical reports with the production team to ensure manufacturability.
• Develop test jigs/fixtures for fabrication, assembly, and testing.
• Identify and resolve technical challenges to maintain project pace.
• Receive mentorship from senior engineers on technical and behavioral skills.

Skills

Pressure & deadline management

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Analytical skills

Tenacity & quick judgment

Education

Aerospace/mechanical/mechatronic engineering degree

Tools

NX CAD

SolidWorks

CATIA

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Development Engineer II to contribute to vehicle structure development for the Neutron program. The role involves CAD design for primary and secondary metallic and composite structures, working with analysts to size components, and ensuring manufacturability with production teams.

You will create fixtures and drawings, and address technical challenges to keep projects on schedule. Applicants should have an engineering degree in aerospace/mechanical/mechatronics and CAD