Junior Ground Systems Engineer – Mechanical – Team X

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Junior Ground Systems Engineer – Mechanical to contribute to the design of launch range facilities, test structures and production tooling for the Neutron program. You will work on mechanical and fluid systems, leveraging NX, Teamcenter, SolidWorks and EPDM in a fast-paced, autonomy-driven environment.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field, experience with structural design, and strong communication skills to build effective relationships

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronics or related field
• Experience with structural design
• Experience with fabrication/production of industrial machinery and equipment
• Ability to read, understand and follow detailed schematics, drawings and instructions
• Ability to work in fast paced, autonomously driven environment
• Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships

Responsibilities

• Design launch range, test facility and production structures, mechanisms, tooling, and fluid systems for the Neutron launch vehicle
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to interface with ground systems across the lifecycle
• Support fabrication and integration activities and ensure compliance with standards

Skills

Structural design

Fabrication & production

Reading schematics

Communication skills

Autonomy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical/Aerospace/Mechatronics)

Tools

NX

Teamcenter

SolidWorks

EPDM

ASME/ASTM/NASA ground system standards

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Junior Ground Systems Engineer – Mechanical – Team X

ABOUT ROCKET LAB: Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

ABOUT THE ROLE: As a Junior Engineer with our Ground Systems Engineering team, you will be responsible for the design of launch range, test facility and production structures, mechanisms, tooling, and fluid systems. This can include all equipment used to produce, handle and interface with the Neutron launch vehicle across it’s full lifecycle.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Applied Science or related field
• Experience with structural design
• Experience with fabrication/production of industrial machinery and equipment
• Ability to read, understand and follow detailed schematics, drawings and instructions
• Ability to work in fast paced, autonomously driven environment
• Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships

• Experience with launch pad systems OR oil and gas, process, mining, or other similar industry
• Fluid system design
• NX and Teamcenter, SolidWorks and EPDM
• Experience with ASME, ASTM, AS/NZS, and/or NASA ground system standards would be an asset
• 1+ years’ experience in engineering design in aerospace and/or industrial sectors

Salary dependent upon experience: NZD$ 70,000 - NZD$ 71,525

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 hereITAR Regulations.