Senior Mechanical Engineer (Space Launch New Zealand)

Dawn Aerospace; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to redefine space access through sustainable solutions. In this pivotal role, you'll design, analyze, and integrate flight hardware for a revolutionary spaceplane, contributing to the future of aerospace engineering. Join a dynamic team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology, where your expertise will drive efficiency and innovation. This is a unique opportunity to work on impactful projects in a mission-driven culture, collaborating with passionate engineers and scientists to solve real-world challenges in spaceflight. If you're ready to make a difference, we want to hear from you!

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Dynamic team environment

Cutting-edge technology projects

Mission-driven culture

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in complex mechanical systems within aerospace or similar industries.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software and strong analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis of airframe components for a cutting-edge spaceplane.
• Collaborate with multi-functional teams and manage suppliers effectively.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Project Management

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Education

Degree in Aerospace Engineering

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Degree in Physics

Tools

3D CAD Software (SolidWorks)

Job description

At Dawn Aerospace, we are redefining space access with scalable and sustainable solutions. Our spaceplane combines the power of a rocket with the reusability of an aircraft, enabling rapid, cost-effective launches.

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will play a key role in designing, analysing, and integrating flight hardware for our cutting-edge spaceplane. If you thrive in a fast-paced, high-performance engineering environment and are excited about solving complex aerospace challenges, this role is for you.

Your Role

Project Leadership & Coordination

• Take ownership of major airframe projects and work packages
• Collaborate across multi-functional teams to develop integrated solutions
• Work closely with suppliers, subcontractors, and external partners to ensure seamless execution

Design, Analysis & Manufacturing

• Design, analyse, and test critical airframe components
• Lead design reviews, ensuring manufacturability and quality compliance
• Oversee procurement, manufacturing, assembly, and integration of mechanical systems

Process Improvement & Compliance

• Produce compliance reports detailing hardware qualification
• Develop and enhance processes and capabilities to drive efficiency and innovation

What You Bring

Education & Experience

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience working on complex mechanical systems in aerospace, automotive, marine, or similar high-performance industries

Technical Expertise

• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)
• Experience in design for manufacture and optimizing designs for production
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to balance cost, schedule, performance, and risk
• Hands-on experience with mechanical manufacturing, assembly, and integration
• Awareness of quality control systems and aerospace standards

Project & Supplier Management

• Experience leading work packages and working across multi-disciplinary teams
• Ability to manage subcontractors and suppliers effectively
• Strong communication, organizational, and reporting skills

Bonus Skills (Nice To Have, But Not Required)

• Composite design and manufacturing
• 3D-printed design and production
• Project Engineering & Integrated Project Team Management

Why Join Dawn Aerospace?

Impact: Be part of a company that is shaping the future of sustainable spaceflight.

Innovation: Work on cutting-edge technology that pushes the boundaries of aerospace engineering.

Growth: Join a fast-growing, dynamic team with opportunities for professional development.

Mission-Driven Culture: Work alongside passionate engineers and scientists solving real-world space challenges.

Ready to Join Us?

If you're passionate about pushing the boundaries of aerospace engineering, apply today and be part of our journey to redefine spaceflight!

Apply for this Job

Important! If you think you have what it takes but are unsure that you check every box, we still want to hear from you.

Please note that due to our current customer base and the nature of our industry we are required to conduct background checks that are undertaken for security reasons. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that the Employee be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Under these Regulations, an employee may be ineligible for a role in our Dutch or New Zealand office if they do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if they hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.