Lead, Unpressurized Composite Structures (Space)

Rocket Lab Corporation; Auckland; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, NZ, is hiring a Team Lead for Unpressurised Composite Structures within the Neutron program. You will lead a team of mechanical development engineers and own designs from concept to launch.

The role requires 5+ years in aerospace, strong leadership, and experience with composite materials, pressure vessels, and mechanical systems. You will coordinate cross-functional activities and guide rapid, high-quality delivery.

Qualifications

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar field.
• 5+ years’ experience within a high-performance industry environment (Aerospace, aviation, automotive, marine or equivalent)
• Proven track record of leading a team to deliver complete and successful engineering projects from conception to operation
• The ability to work to deadlines within a high-pressure environment
• Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues
• Experience working on one or more of the areas below to solve industry related problems applicable to mechanical systems: Composite materials, Moving Mechanical Assemblies, Pressure Vessels, Aerodynamic Control systems, Fluid Systems, Thermal Protection systems

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall delivery of Neutron mechanical system(s) across their lifecycle: including conceptual & critical design, development test, qualification, integration, and operational support
• Ensure successful delivery of key engineering projects through effective project management: including setup, monitoring, and control of schedule, budget, resource, & technical risk
• Actively collaborate between departments to ensure Program activities are appropriately prioritized
• Manage, mentor, and support direct reports to be motivated, effective, and efficient in their roles
• Coordinate activities between design, test and analysis engineers to develop & mature concepts, and manufacturing engineers to identify suitable materials, and define pragmatic build processes
• Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to allow projects to proceed at pace

Skills

Team leadership

Mechanical design

Project management

Communication skills

Aerospace experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NX CAD

SolidWorks

CATIA

Teamcenter

Windchill

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland, NZ, is hiring a Team Lead for Unpressurised Composite Structures within the Neutron program. You will lead a team of mechanical development engineers and own designs from concept to launch.

The role requires 5+ years in aerospace, strong leadership, and experience with composite materials, pressure vessels, and mechanical systems. You will coordinate cross-functional activities and guide rapid, high-quality delivery.