Senior Aerospace Structures Engineer

Rocket Lab Corp.; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, NZ, seeks a Senior Development Engineer to design and test high‑performance mechanical systems for the Neutron program. You will develop concepts, produce detailed CAD models, and lead structural and mechanisms tests for metallic components and assemblies.

You will collaborating with analysis and manufacturing teams, craft test plans, and drive results under tight deadlines while mentoring junior engineers to achieve the highest quality standards.

Qualifications

• Aerospace, mechanical or mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent qualification.
• 5+ years developing and testing high performance mechanical systems, with a focus on structures and/or mechanisms.
• Experience with instrumentation selection, setup, post-processing, and interpretation of static & dynamic test data.
• Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills and teamwork.
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
• Tenacity and a can-do attitude for fast-paced projects.

Responsibilities

• Produce & rapidly iterate conceptual designs in CAD for structures and mechanisms across the Neutron launch vehicle.
• Lead the testing structures and mechanisms, including metallic components and integrated assemblies.
• Develop test plans, monitor tests, post-process data, and verify requirements.
• Characterise structural materials, interfaces, and subcomponents through tests.
• Produce test jigs/fixtures to aid fabrication, assembly and development testing.
• Identify and solve technical challenges to keep projects moving safely and quickly.
• Feed test outcomes back into design and manufacturing processes for continuous improvement.
• Mentor and assist junior engineers.

Skills

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

Engineering degree (Aerospace/Mechanical/Mechatronic)

Tools

NX CAD

SolidWorks

CATIA

Teamcenter

Windchill

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland, NZ, seeks a Senior Development Engineer to design and test high‑performance mechanical systems for the Neutron program. You will develop concepts, produce detailed CAD models, and lead structural and mechanisms tests for metallic components and assemblies.

You will collaborating with analysis and manufacturing teams, craft test plans, and drive results under tight deadlines while mentoring junior engineers to achieve the highest quality standards.