Senior Development Engineer, Space Structures & Mechanisms

Rocket Lab Corporation; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Development Engineer for the Neutron program in New Zealand. You will design, analyze, and test metallic structures and mechanisms, producing robust CAD concepts and detailed drawings for complex assemblies.

You will lead testing campaigns, develop plans, and document results while collaborating with analysis and manufacturing teams to ensure performance and safety standards are met.

Qualifications

• Experience developing and testing high-performance mechanical systems, focusing 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 meet tight deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and team collaboration.
• Attention to detail and high-quality workmanship.

Responsibilities

• Produce and iterate conceptual CAD designs for structures and mechanisms across the Neutron vehicle.
• Lead testing of metallic components and integrated assemblies.
• Develop test plans, monitor tests, and document data to verify requirements.
• Develop and execute tests to characterize materials, interfaces, and subcomponents.
• Create test jigs/fixtures for fabrication, assembly and testing.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

High-performance mechanical systems

Structures & mechanisms

Instrumentation data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelors in Aerospace/Mechanical/Mechatronic engineering or equivalent

Tools

NX CAD

SolidWorks

CATIA

Teamcenter

Windchill

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Development Engineer for the Neutron program in New Zealand. You will design, analyze, and test metallic structures and mechanisms, producing robust CAD concepts and detailed drawings for complex assemblies.

You will lead testing campaigns, develop plans, and document results while collaborating with analysis and manufacturing teams to ensure performance and safety standards are met.