Senior Vehicle Design Engineer

**ABOUT ROCKET LAB**

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

**VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT - ELECTRON**

Shape the future of space exploration and see your designs soar into orbit. Collaborate with a team of experts in mechanical design, development, testing, analysis, configuration control, and project engineering. Dive deep into the intricacies of spacecraft design, ensuring every component meets the highest standards of performance and reliability.

**SENIOR VEHICLE DESIGN ENGINEER - ELECTRON**

As a Senior Vehicle Design Engineer, you'll play a critical role in the end-to-end mechanical design of the Electron rocket, the world's first mass-produced orbital launch vehicle. From concept to spaceflight, your designs won't just sit on a screen—they'll take flight.

In this design-forward role, you'll lead the development of primary and secondary structures, mechanisms, and fluid systems on Electron. You'll take ownership of mission-critical hardware, mentor up-and-coming engineers, and improve the way we design—from our tools to our thinking.

**WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO**:

- **Innovate and improve spaceflight hardware.**Execute design changes across the Electron vehicle and associated systems with a focus on performance optimisation, manufacturing efficiency, and risk reduction.
- **Enhance design workflows.** Continuously improve internal design processes to reduce engineering cycle times and support right-first-time production outcomes.
- **Solve real-world problems.** Actively engage with the production floor to troubleshoot quality issues, implementing meaningful engineering solutions to ensure 100% mission success.
- **Support the mission.** Develop mission-specific configurations to support a wide variety of customer payloads—ensuring Electron is ready for any launch profile.
- **Shape product direction.** Define detailed design requirements, then turn those requirements into high-functioning, manufacturable hardware.
- **Prototype and iterate.** Rapidly design, test, and refine prototype components and tooling to support new systems, payload configurations, and mission-specific hardware.
- **Document with precision.** Create and maintain engineering documentation including FMEA, P&IDs, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and technical reports that support safe and reliable launch operations.

**YOU'LL THRIVE HERE IF YOU**:

- Love designing for real-world launch hardware—and seeing your work head to orbit.
- Take pride in leading with mentorship—developing people while developing solutions.
- Understand that great engineering is collaborative—you'll be working shoulder-to-shoulder with teams across the company.
- See systems, not just parts—and find better ways to build, iterate, and integrate.

**YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS& SKILLS**:

- Strong CAD and PLM experience (NX CAD & Teamcenter preferred).
- 5+ years engineering experience, ideally with launch vehicles, high-performance systems, or complex mechanical assemblies.
- A bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Mechatronics Engineering.
- Experience in one or more of: cryogenics, composites, mechanical assemblies, or pressurized systems (a plus).
- Proven ability to lead projects, mentor engineers, and deliver under pressure.
- Ability to collaborate effectively and investigate details to assess the impact of subsystems
- Meet 50% of the requirements? We still want to hear from you—Rocket Lab is hiring across multiple levels._

**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.

Important information:
**FOR CANDIDATES S