Principal Engineer

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leader in space technology is seeking a Principal Mechanism Engineer in Auckland, New Zealand. You will lead the design and development of advanced systems for space missions, providing expertise and mentoring to junior engineers. The ideal candidate has over 8 years in aerospace engineering, with a master's degree and deep knowledge of electric motors and control systems. Join a passionate team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of space technology.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in aerospace mechanisms development.
• Proven leadership in material review and issue resolution.
• Experience with aerospace standards and quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle of reaction wheel development.
• Provide technical support to internal teams and customers.
• Mentor junior engineers and facilitate knowledge transfer.

Skills

Expertise in brushless electric motors

Technical mentoring

Risk management

Education

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Python for statistical analysis

Job description

SPACE SYSTEMS

You already know Rocket Lab as a global launch leader with our Electron rocket — one of the most frequently flown in the world. Next up? Neutron — our reusable rocket built for the mega constellations of the future. But we’re not just launching rockets. Rocket Lab Space Systems is building the future of space.

From sending CAPSTONE to the Moon with NASA to enabling microgravity manufacturing through successful orbital re-entry - and next, heading to Mars with UC Berkeley and NASA - we design and build spacecraft that do what others can’t. Whether it’s a single high-performance satellite or a full constellation, we do it all - faster and smarter - thanks to our vertically integrated satellite components.

If you're ready to work with a world-class team that takes on the boldest space missions and makes the impossible possible - we’re just getting started.

PRINCIPAL MECHANISMS ENGINEER – SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re redefining what’s possible in space — from reliable Electron launches and deep space missions with NASA to our upcoming Neutron rocket designed to power mega-constellations.

To support this momentum, we’re expanding our Space Systems team and looking for a Principal Mechanism Engineer to lead the design, development, and qualification of world-class ADCS actuators at scale.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Own the full life cycle of reaction wheel development, from requirements to on-orbit commissioning.
• Provide expert technical support to internal mission teams and global customers.
• Lead failure investigations, non-conformance reviews, and continuous improvement across production.
• Design, verify, and validate systems through environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, shock, EMC).
• Develop and implement advanced testing methodologies.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive technical knowledge transfer across teams.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering (or a related field), with over 8 years of proven experience in developing brushless electric motors, reaction wheels, momentum wheels, or control moment gyroscopes (CMGs).
• Proven leadership in risk management and material review boards, collaborating directly with customers to resolve issues.
• Proven ability to lead products from requirements definition through to on-orbit commissioning.
• Passionate about mentoring junior engineers and developing technical training materials.
• Experienced with aerospace and spaceflight standards including NASA-STD-5017, ECSS-E-ST-3301C, SMC-S-016, and AS9100 quality systems.

TECHNIAL KNOWLEDGE:

• Bearing preload techniques and verification
• Electrically commutated motors and drive topologies
• Rotor dynamics and imbalance characterization
• Micro-vibration analysis and mitigation
• Vacuum tribology, including lubricants for prolonged space operation
• Bearing material selection and load capacity analysis

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Hands-on experience with on-orbit anomaly investigations and failure/root cause analysis.
• Strong background in space-grade electronics, including magnetics design and brushless motor drive circuits.
• Knowledge of control systems, estimators, and various speed/position encoders used in spacecraft mechanisms.
• Skilled in requirements management and preparing compliance matrices to ensure mission alignment.
• Experienced in planning, executing, and reporting development, acceptance, and qualification testing.
• Proficient in Python for statistical analysis of large production datasets.

Apply now and make your mark at Rocket Lab!