Lead R&D Mechanical Engineer — Space Hardware

Rocket Lab Corporation

Auckland

On-site

NZD 120,000 - 170,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Job summary

Rocket Lab Corporation in Auckland, New Zealand, is seeking an experienced R&D/Product Development Engineer to lead end-to-end projects from concept through production. You will work hands-on with fabrication teams to develop steel and stainless-steel products, spearheading prototypes, tests, and design refinements in a fast-moving environment.

Ideal candidates have 5–8 years in mechanical design or R&D, strong CAD skills (SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo), and a proven ability to drive projects

Qualifications

5–8 years of engineering experience in R&D, product development, or mechanical design.
Background in aerospace, aviation, oil and gas, or industrial engineering environments.
Proven track record leading or delivering technical projects.
Strong practical fabrication knowledge.
Experience designing products in steel and stainless steel.
Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo, etc.).

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end development projects from idea to production.
Design metallic structures and products using CAD tools.
Working hands-on with fabrication processes: sheet metal, welding, machining, assembly, or similar.
Developing prototypes, running tests, and refining designs.
Collaborating with production, quality, suppliers, and operations teams.
Preparing documentation, drawings, specifications, and project reports.