Junior Development Engineer - Neutron

Rocket Lab USA; Auckland; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Junior Development Engineer for the Neutron program in Auckland. You will design and iterate metallic and composite structures, collaborating with analysis and manufacturing teams to deliver concepts and drawings for a new large launch vehicle.

The role emphasizes rapid prototyping, test fixture creation, and close mentorship while delivering on tight project deadlines.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree in Aerospace, Mechanical or Mechatronic.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and pressure.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Create conceptual and detailed designs for metallic and composite structures in CAD.
• Develop drawing packages and technical reports with manufacturing in mind.
• Collaborate with analysts and production to ensure design integrity and manufacturability.
• Create test fixtures and jigs for development and verification.
• Mentor with more experienced engineers to accelerate learning and delivery.

Skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Under pressure

Analytical thinking

Education

Engineering degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Mechatronic

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

CATIA

Job description

Junior Development Engineer - Neutron

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.

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 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 help 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
• Fluid Routing
• Materials Engineering

What You'll Get To Do:

• Produce & rapidly iterate conceptual designs in CAD for aspects of primary and secondary metallic and composite structures across the Neutron launch vehicle.
• Own design aspects 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 and skills
• 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
• Hands-on metallic fabrication experience