Senior Development Engineer

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...

Rocket Lab is bringing our innovative medium-lift launch vehicle, Neutron, to life. Neutron Development Engineers deliver 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,...

As a Senior Development Engineer, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the architecture of our vehicle. This role will work directly with analysis and manufacturing engineers to produce concepts, detailed designs, and drawing packages for metallic and composites components & assemblies and to perform development & ...

Produce & rapidly iterate conceptual designs in CAD for structures and mechanisms across the Neutron launch vehicle.
Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to allow projects to proceed safely and at pace;
Prepare drawing packages & technical reports, ensuring manufacturability is considered throughout the design process
Produce design documentation, FMEA, P&IDs, ICDs etc.
Support with the definition of design requirements
Support the testing structures and mechanisms, including composites and metallic components
Develop test plans, monitor test activities, and post-process and document test data to verify functional and performance requirements;
Produce test jigs / fixtures to aid testing of components & assemblies;

Aerospace, mechanical or mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent qualification
5+ years designing high performance mechanical systems
Experience with CAD software such as NX (preferred), Fibersim (preferred), Solidworks, CATIA
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
Have tenacity, a can-do attitude, and the ability to think quickly and make accurate judgements

Experience in one of the following domain areas:
Metallic or composite structures
Mechanisms
Pressurised systems
Fluid Systems
 
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.   

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO