Development Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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!

ABOUT ENGINEERING AT ROCKET LAB:

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 the same mission . Our engineering team members span design , analysis , prototyping , testing , manufacturing , assembly and integration , quality control , engineering documentation , and more.

Development Engineers deliver design, testing, and continuous improvement of mission-critical systems across the Electron launch vehicle, spanning structural, mechanical, fluid, and thermal domains. This includes propellant tanks, interstages, fairings, stage separation systems, landing mechanisms, aerodynamic controls, pressurant systems, propellant management, ignition systems, HVAC, and thermal protection.

Working collaboratively with analysis and manufacturing engineers, this role drives the complete development lifecycle—from initial concept and iterative CAD design through detailed drawing packages for mechanical components and assemblies. The position encompasses comprehensive test planning and execution for development and qualification activities, ensuring all materials, components, and assemblies meet stringent functional and performance requirements.

This role requires technical expertise and collaboration with cross-functional teams, combining strategic problem-solving with hands-on engineering to enable rapid innovation while maintaining the highest safety standards.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• 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

Requirements

• 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

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience in one of the following domain areas: Composites structures, Large scale structural testing, Cryogenic systems, Pressurised systems, Mechanical moving assemblies

• Experience using Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter (preferred), Windchill, or similar

• Programming in C+, matlab, labview or other

If the above sounds like you apply now!

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.

Important information:

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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. 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.