Principal R&D Engineer

\n About Rocket Lab\n

Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering launch services, satellite design and manufacturing, and other payload components, with a focus on opening access to space. Their Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, and they are developing the Neutron medium‑lift reusable launch vehicle.

Position Overview\n

Principal Development Engineer – responsible for building the Neutron platform, working closely with structural analysts, designers, manufacturing engineers, and the prototyping team to develop and execute design and certification strategies for mechanical structures and mechanisms across the Neutron launch vehicle.

Key Responsibilities\n

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• Work closely with mechanical engineers to assess conceptual designs, perform system trade studies, and develop integrated design solutions.
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• Define and document material architectural decisions, including material selection, properties, design allowables, process control, inspection methods, and continuous improvement practices.
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• Design and coordinate testing to generate material property databases for metallic components.
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• Initiate, manage, and control projects with internal and external stakeholders to ensure on‑time, on‑scope, and within‑budget delivery.
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• Contribute to technical decision making at conceptual, preliminary, and critical design stages; test readiness, change management, and risk reviews.
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• Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to sustain project momentum.
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• Mentor and provide technical assistance to other engineers.
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Required Qualifications\n

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• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (or equivalent experience).
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• 8+ years of industry experience in the design, development, and test of material systems in relevant fields such as aviation, aerospace, automotive, marine.
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• Demonstrated experience with metallic materials, process development, and qualification.
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• Experience with composites and related materials, including prepregs, fibers, resins, cores, adhesives, coatings.
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• Experience in Carbon Fibre Manufacturing processes such as hand‑lamination, out‑of‑autoclave systems, bonding operations.
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• Knowledge of metallic material performance characteristics.
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• Strong communication skills and ability to build relationships with colleagues and engineering professionals.
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• Ability to work to tight deadlines within a high‑pressure environment.
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• Strong desire to learn new materials to solve difficult, ambiguous challenges.
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Nice to Have\n

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• Knowledge of ASTM standards relevant to composite testing.
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• Experience with Siemens Team Center or Infor LN.
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• Experience transitioning products from prototype to production.
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• Experience with soft materials used in structural applications (O‑rings, seals, lubricants).
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• Experience in rapid composite tooling design and fabrication.
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• Competency in additive manufacturing, heat treating, machining, welding of metallics.
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• Experience with cryogenic and elevated temperature applications of non‑metallic materials.
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• Experience with aerospace adhesives and bonding processes.
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• Familiarity with CAD software such as NX (preferred), CATIA, SolidWorks, or Inventor.
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• Familiarity with quality systems including change and configuration management.
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• Hands‑on experience with composite fabrication, mechanical testing, or thermal testing.
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Employee Benefits\n

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• Opportunity to work on innovative, ground‑breaking technology.
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• Relocation support and visa sponsorship.
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• Employee stock purchase program.
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• Access to world‑leading experts to develop your career.
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• Unlimited barista coffee, fruit, and snacks.
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• Rocket Lab merchandise.
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• Discounted health insurance with Southern Cross.
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• Additional parental leave entitlements.
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• Vibrant team culture with social activities throughout the year.
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Equal Employment Opportunity\n

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.

Important Information (US)\n

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted 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.

Important Information (New Zealand)\n

Applicants must be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Candidates must hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO country, or not hold ineligible dual citizenship. Background checks will include nationality checks.

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