Junior Development Engineer - Neutron

Rocket Lab Corp.; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Development Engineer II to contribute to Neutron vehicle structures, translating concepts into drawings and assemblies with close collaboration with analysis and manufacturing teams.

The role emphasizes composites, metallic structures, and moving mechanical assemblies, using CAD tools such as NX, SolidWorks or CATIA. You will ensure design-for-manufacture readiness and timely delivery for flight hardware.

Qualifications

• Aerospace, mechanical or mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent qualification.
• Experience matching the engineering title and skills in prior roles.
• Proficiency with CAD software and design-for-manufacture principles.

Responsibilities

• Produce & rapidly iterate CAD designs for primary/secondary metallic and composite structures.
• Own design aspects of composites inserts, laminates, joints, interfaces, and secondary structures with analysts.
• Create drawing packages and technical reports; collaborate with production for manufacturability.
• Develop test jigs/fixtures for fabrication, assembly, and testing of components.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate across the team.

Skills

Composites

Moving Mechanical Assemblies

Metallic Structures

Education

Aerospace/Mechanical/Mechatronic engineering degree

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

CATIA

Job description

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 ( i.e. Propellant tanks, interstages , fairings), mechanical (i.e. stage separation, landing, aerodynamic control), fluid (i.e. pressurant , propellant management, ignition, HVAC), and thermal (i.e. thermal protection) systems.

This role will focus on vehicle structures, working closely with analysis and manufacturing engineers to h elp support the development of concepts, detailed designs, and drawing packages for metallic and composites components & assemblies. This role requires close work with more experienced engineers to deliver project contribution to the expectations of the company.

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

• Composites
• Moving Mechanical Assemblies
• Metallic Structures

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Produce & rapidly iterate conceptual designs in CAD for aspects of primary and secondarym etallic and composite structures across the Neutron launch vehicle.
• Own designaspects of elements including composite inserts, laminates, joint details, metallic interfaces, and secondary structural elements, working closely with analysts to ensure designs are appropriately sized and structural & thermal requirements are met.
• Support with creating drawing packages & technical reports, working directly with the production team to ensure design for manufacture is maintained throughout the process.
• Produce test jigs / fixtures to aid with fabrication, assembly, and development testing of components & assemblies.
• Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to allow projects to proceed at pace.
• Engage with more experienced engineers across the team for ongoing mentorship and coaching, for both technical and behavioral skills.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Aerospace, mechanical or mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent qualification
• Experience from previous employment that meets engineering experience title andskills
• Experience with CAD software such as NX (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
• 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.

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.