Mechanical Ground Systems Engineer II — Launch & Test

Rocket Lab Corporation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Part time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corporation in Auckland, NZ, is seeking a Ground Systems Engineer II - Mechanical to join Team X. You will design and mature mechanical systems for launch infrastructure, work with cross-functional teams, and gain hands-on exposure to hardware, testing, and operations.

This early-career role emphasizes ownership, learning fast, and delivering reliable ground systems for Electron and Neutron programs, with opportunities to contribute across design, testing, and interface control.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or CAD Engineering (or equivalent).
• Experience with structural design and industrial equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project requirements
• Design mechanical systems including vehicle interfaces, structures, mechanisms, and fluid systems
• Create 2D and 3D models using CAD software
• Develop schematics, P&IDs, process diagrams, and BOMs
• Perform design trade studies and ensure compliance with engineering standards
• Work closely with vendors and internal production teams to optimize designs for manufacturability
• Contribute to risk assessments, hazard analyses, and FMEAs
• Produce technical documentation such as manuals, procedures, and work instructions
• Support the development and execution of component- and system-level test plans
• Design and maintain test equipment
• Assist with post-test and post-flight data analysis
• Help maintain interface control documentation between launch vehicles and ground systems
• Work alongside test and operations teams to keep systems mission-ready
• Support installation, commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and launch operations - on-site or remotely

Skills

Strong communication

Collaborative mindset

Hands-on

Education

Diploma or degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or CAD Engineering (or equivalent)

Tools

NX

Teamcenter

SolidWorks

EPDM

Job description

Rocket Lab Corporation in Auckland, NZ, is seeking a Ground Systems Engineer II - Mechanical to join Team X. You will design and mature mechanical systems for launch infrastructure, work with cross-functional teams, and gain hands-on exposure to hardware, testing, and operations.

This early-career role emphasizes ownership, learning fast, and delivering reliable ground systems for Electron and Neutron programs, with opportunities to contribute across design, testing, and interface control.