Spacecraft Development Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corp.; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corp. in Auckland seeks a Development Engineer to design and test high-performance mechanical systems for aerospace applications, focusing on structures and mechanisms.

You will work with a multi-disciplinary team across design, analysis, testing and manufacturing to advance launch vehicle components. The role requires a degree in aerospace/mechanical/mechatronic engineering and at least 3 years of hands-on experience, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to

Qualifications

• Aerospace, mechanical or mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent qualification.
• 3+ 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.
• Nice-to-have: composites structures, large-scale structural testing, cryogenic systems, pressurized systems, mechanical moving assemblies.

Responsibilities

• Produce and iterate conceptual CAD designs, produce design documentation, FMEA, P&IDs, ICDs, and test jigs/fixtures for fabrication and development testing.
• Formulate comprehensive test plans, execute hands-on tests, and apply expertise in structures to analyze results.
• Collaborate with development and analysis teams on anomalies and design improvements, support vehicle development through change processes.
• Own improvements, break down tasks, plan, estimate, and deliver on time while aligning with company goals.
• Ensure health and safety policies and PPE are followed and report near-misses and incidents promptly.

Skills

High-performance mechanical systems

Communication

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Aerospace/mechanical/mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent qualification

Tools

NX CAD

SolidWorks

CATIA

Teamcenter/Windchill

C++

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Job description

Rocket Lab Corp. in Auckland seeks a Development Engineer to design and test high-performance mechanical systems for aerospace applications, focusing on structures and mechanisms.

You will work with a multi-disciplinary team across design, analysis, testing and manufacturing to advance launch vehicle components. The role requires a degree in aerospace/mechanical/mechatronic engineering and at least 3 years of hands-on experience, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to