Junior Development Engineer - Neutron

Location: Auckland, NZ Department: 2242 Neutron - Mechanical

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!

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.

DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER II

Development Engineers deliver across a broad set of vehicle domains including structural (i.e. Propellant tanks, interstages, fairings), mechanical (i.e. stage separation, landing, aerodynamic control), fluid (i.e. pressurant, propellant management, ignition, HVAC), and thermal (i.e. thermal protection) systems.

This role will focus on vehicle structures, working closely with analysis and manufacturing engineers to help support the development of concepts, detailed designs, and drawing packages for metallic and composites components & assemblies. This role requires close work with more experienced engineers to deliver project contribution to the expectations of the company.

We are currently looking for candidates with experience in the following areas:

Composites

Moving Mechanical Assemblies

Metallic Structures

Fluid Routing

Materials Engineering

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Produce & rapidly iterate conceptual designs in CAD for aspects of primary and secondary metallic and composite structures across the Neutron launch vehicle.

Own design aspects of elements including composite inserts, laminates, joint details, metallic interfaces, and secondary structural elements, working closely with analysts to ensure designs are appropriately sized and structural & thermal requirements are met.

Support with creating drawing packages & technical reports, working directly with the production team to ensure design for manufacture is maintained throughout the process.

Produce test jigs / fixtures to aid with fabrication, assembly, and development testing of components & assemblies.

Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to allow projects to proceed at pace.

Engage with more experienced engineers across the team for ongoing mentorship and coaching, for both technical and behavioral skills.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Aerospace, mechanical or mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent qualification

Experience from previous employment that meets engineering experience title and skills

Experience with CAD software such as NX (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

Have tenacity, a can-do attitude, and the ability to think quickly and make accurate judgements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Strong understanding of composites engineering fundamentals (mechanics of materials, classical lamination theory, material property characterization, design best practices, analysis methods, and manufacturing processes)

Experience in one of the following domain areas:

Cryogenic systems

Pressurized systems

Mechanical moving assemblies

Fluid Systems

Hands-on composites manufacturing experience

Hands-on metallic fabrication experience

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 [email protected] 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