Senior vehicle design engineer

Senior Vehicle Design Engineer - Neutron Thrust Module - IN NEW ZEALAND (Relocation provided) 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 rockethas 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 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 systems Fluid Systems 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,