Team Lead - Unpressurised Composite Structures

Telemetry Today LLC; Auckland; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in New Zealand is seeking a Mechanical Lead for the Neutron program to oversee unpressurized structures. You will manage a team of mechanical development engineers and drive concepts through to integration and launch.

The role demands leadership, communication, and the ability to deliver complex systems on schedule within a fast-paced aerospace environment. Experience with composites, pressure vessels, and thermal protection is valued.

Qualifications

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar field.
• 5+ years’ experience in a high-performance industry (Aerospace preferred).
• Proven track record of leading a team to deliver engineering projects from conception to operation.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a high‑pressure environment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder relationship skills.
• Experience in composite materials, moving assemblies, pressure vessels, and aerodynamic/ fluid/ thermal systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall delivery of Neutron mechanical system(s) across their lifecycle, from concept to launch.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, resources and technical risk.
• Collaborate across departments and teams to prioritize Program activities.
• Mentor and develop direct reports.
• Coordinate between design, test, and analysis and manufacturing teams.
• Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to maintain pace.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Leadership

Project Management

Communication

Team Mentoring

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

NX CAD

SolidWorks

CATIA

Teamcenter/Windchill

Job description

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

NEUTRON

Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

TEAM LEAD UNPRESSURIZED COMPOSITE STRUCTURES

Neutron’s Mechanical workstream delivers across a broad set of vehicle domains including structural (i.e. Propellant tanks, interstage, fairings) , mechanical (i.e. stage separation, landing, aerodynamic control) , fluid (i.e.pressurant, propellant management, ignition, HVAC), and thermal (i.e. thermal protection) systems.

As a Mechanical Lead you will manage a talented group of mechanical developmentengineers, andbe responsible for the delivery of key mechanical systems for the vehicle: owning your designs from concept to completion & launch.

Successful candidates in this role will thrive in ambiguity, and are excited to work in a small, high performing team focused on continued learning and growth. This position is ideal for an experienced engineer keen to lead projects from conceptual design through to integration and launch.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Lead the overall delivery of Neutron mechanical system(s) across their lifecycle: including conceptual & critical design, development test, qualification, integration, and operational support
• Ensure successful delivery of key engineering projects through effective project management: including setup, monitoring, and control of schedule, budget, resource, & technical risk
• Actively collaborate between departments (i.e. supply chain, quality, production) & teams (i.e. Fluids, Avionics, Propulsion) to ensure Program activities are appropriately prioritized
• Manage, mentor, and support direct reports to be motivated, effective, and efficient in their roles
• Coordinate activities between design, test and analysis engineers to develop & mature concepts, and manufacturing engineers to identify suitable materials, and define pragmatic build processes
• Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to allow projects to proceed at pace

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar field
• 5+ years’ experience within a high-performance industry environment (Aerospace, aviation, automotive, marine or equivalent)
• Proven track record of leading a team to deliver complete and successful engineering projects from conception to operation
• The ability to work to deadlines within a high-pressure environment
• Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues
• Experience working on one or more of the areas below to solve industry related problems applicable to mechanical systems:
  • Composite materials
  • Moving Mechanical Assemblies
  • Pressure Vessels
  • Aerodynamic Control systems
  • Fluid Systems
  • Thermal Protection systems

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with CAD software such as NX (preferred),Solidworks, CATIA, or similar
• Experience using Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter (preferred), Windchill, or similar

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here .

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.