Neutron Mechanical Systems Engineer II

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Rocket Lab seeks a Neutron Mechanical Systems Engineer II to help build the Neutron platform: Rocket Lab's medium lift, reusable launch vehicle capable of human spaceflight.

Systems Engineers are great communicators who excel in interdisciplinary collaboration: working across teams to structure and execute design trades; define clear, verifiable requirements; and support the delivery of products that exceed these requirements through test, integration, and launch.

Day to day, your key responsibilities could include:

• Conduct technical trade studies across engineering systems to achieve required vehicle performance and reliability
• Contribute the development of flight and ground systems, including:
  • defining system architecture,
  • developing requirements,
  • drafting plans for conops, integration, and system verification.
• Create or review engineering documentation including requirements, interface control documents, test plans, and data reviews.
• Contribute to technical decision making including conceptual, preliminary, and critical design, test readiness, change management, and risk reviews.
• Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to allow projects to proceed at pace.

Successful candidates in this role will thrive in ambiguity, and are excited to work in a small, high performing team focused on continued learning and growth. This position is ideal for a multidisciplinary engineer keen to support a complex project from conceptual design through to integration and launch.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• An undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar field
• 3+ year's industry experience, ideally from the Aerospace, Automotive or Marine industries
• Demonstrated experience solving complex engineering problems with multiple stakeholders
• Experience in modern systems engineering practices and tools
• Proven track record of project support/leadership from concept to completion.
• Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and engineering professionals
• The ability to work to tight deadlines within a high-pressure environment

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Strong understanding of fundamental physical principles (i.e. heat transfer, electronics, mechanics of materials etc.)
• Demonstrated experience within a relevant technical field (e. Vehicle, Propulsion, Avionics, Software, GNC, Operations, Testing)
• Strong desire to learn new material in order to solve difficult, ambiguous challenges.

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.

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 Biow at 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.

Are you legally entitled to work in New Zealand? *
Please select

If you currently hold a visa or working holiday visa, please provide your visa details. (i.e. visa expiry dates/conditions)

If hired, can you provide verification of your right to work in New Zealand? *
--

Rocket Lab is required to comply with US export compliance laws & regulations including the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).These regulations restrict whom Rocket Lab can share materials with, and whom can receive those materials. This includes hardware, technical data, and defense services.Access to these materials is required for employment at Rocket Lab; being unable to meet these export compliance requirements means that you will be ineligible for employment at Rocket Lab.Do you consent to Rocket Lab requesting information regarding citizenships, passports and visas? *
--

What citizenships do you currently hold? Select all that apply. *

What citizenships have you previously held? Select all that apply. *

What is your place of birth? *

What permanent residencies do you currently hold?

Do you have any previous or pending criminal convictions or charges (including drink or drug-related driving convictions) but not including any concealed under the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act? *
--

What is your availability/notice period? *