Senior Vehicle Design Engineer - Neutron Thrust Module - IN NEW ZEALAND (Relocation provided)
Confirmed live in the last 24 hours
Rocket Lab
Job Description
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.
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 extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND WITH RELOCATION PROVIDED.
NEUTRON
Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is bringing our innovative medium-lift launch vehicle, Neutron, to life. As a Senior Development Engineer in the Thrust Module team, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the architecture of our vehicle. This is your opportunity to work on cutting-edge systems including composite and mechanical structures (like the Thrust Structure) and mechanisms (such as Landing Legs) that make Neutron a revolutionary vehicle.
In this role, you’ll collaborate closely with world-class analysis and manufacturing engineers to transform bold concepts into real-world systems. From initial design to manufacturing, testing, and integration, you’ll own the entire lifecycle of your subsystems until they fly on the Neutron vehicle.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- 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;
- Engage with more experienced engineers across the team for ongoing mentorship and coaching, for both technical and behavioural skills.
- 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;
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- 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
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience in one of the following domain areas:
- Metallic or composite structures
- Mechanisms
- Pressurised syste
