Development Engineer II

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our e...

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

Engineering is at the heart of Rocket Lab. Our engineering team has a proven track record of designing and developing world-class rockets and spacecraft that are changing the way we access and use space. You’ll work alongside driven, talented engineers from varied backgrounds and experience levels, all committed to ...

Produce & rapidly iterate conceptual designs in CAD, produce design documentation, FMEA, P&IDs, ICDs etc, and produce test jigs / fixtures to aid with fabrication, assembly, and development testing of components & assemblies
Formulate comprehensive test plans to ensure compliance with common aerospace standards, execute hands-on test activities, and apply your expertise particularly in the area of structures to the analysis and understanding of test results
Work closely with the wider development and analysis teams on anomaly resolution and design improvements, support ongoing vehicle development of the vehicle through established engineering change process, and leverage your experience to offer insights into off-nominal behaviour and performing failure modes and effects analysis for existing designs
Assume ownership for improvements and challenges in your assigned responsibility, break down tasks, plan, estimate, and cut scope to ship on time, and prioritise in alignment with company goals
Ensure health and safety policies and standard operating procedures are followed, correct PPE is worn in designated areas, and report near-misses and incidents promptly

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 
Experience in one of the following domain areas: Composites structures, Large scale structural testing, Cryogenic systems, Pressurised systems, Mechanical moving assemblies
Experience with CAD software such as NX (preferred), Solidworks, CATIA
Experience using Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter (preferred), Windchill, or similar
Experience using National Instruments data acquisition systems
Programming in C+, matlab, labview or other
Experience writing/reviewing safety risk assessments