Development Engineer II

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

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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 with CAD software such as NX (preferred), Solidworks, CATIA
• Experience using Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter (preferred), Windchill, or similar
• Experience using National Instruments data acquisition systems
• Programming in C+, matlab, labview or other
• Experience writing/reviewing safety risk assessments

If the above sounds like you apply now!