Senior Space Structures & Mechanisms Engineer

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Development Engineer in Auckland to design, develop, and test high‑performance mechanical systems for the Neutron vehicle. You will collaborate with analysis and manufacturing to produce concepts, detailed designs, and drawing packages for metallic assemblies, and to perform qualification tests ensuring meet requirements.

You will lead test activities, develop plans, and refine designs based on test results, while mentoring junior engineers and delivering

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 (load cells, accelerometers, strain gauges, pressure transducers etc.).
• The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team environment.
• Sound analytical skills and the ability to see the big picture and making connections and appropriate decisions.
• Heavy emphasis on achievement and details – getting things done efficiently, effectively and to the highest quality standards.

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 structural, mechanical and fluids assemblies;
• Develop test plans, monitor test activities, and post-process and document test data to verify functional and performance requirements;
• Develop and execute test activities to characterise structural materials, interfaces, and subcomponents
• Produce test jigs / fixtures to aid with fabrication, assembly, and development testing of components & assemblies;
• Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to allow projects to proceed safely and at pace;
• Feed testing outcomes back into the design and manufacture process to promote continuous improvement;
• Mentor, and technically assist junior engineers.

Skills

Composites

Moving Mechanical Assemblies

Metallic Structures

Education

Aerospace, mechanical or mechatronic engineering degree

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

CATIA

Teamcenter

Windchill

National Instruments data acquisition

C+

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Development Engineer in Auckland to design, develop, and test high‑performance mechanical systems for the Neutron vehicle. You will collaborate with analysis and manufacturing to produce concepts, detailed designs, and drawing packages for metallic assemblies, and to perform qualification tests ensuring meet requirements.

You will lead test activities, develop plans, and refine designs based on test results, while mentoring junior engineers and delivering