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Rocket Lab is seeking a Development Engineer II to join the Neutron team, responsible for designing and bringing the company's new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. The Neutron program represents a major expansion of Rocket Lab's capabilities, with development occurring across the United States and New Zealand.
In this role, you will specialize in fluid systems engineering for the Neutron launch vehicle. You will own the design, build, and testing of fluid systems across the vehicle, including all plumbing and hardware between the tanks and engines. Your work will translate vehicle-level requirements into fluid networks that deliver aircraft-like reusability and reliability. You will model system behavior, size and select components, integrate with propulsion and vehicle systems, and iterate based on data from component, system, and vehicle-level testing.
You will work directly with analysis and manufacturing engineers to produce concepts, detailed designs, and drawing packages for both metallic and composite components and assemblies. You will perform development and qualification tests, refine designs, and ensure Neutron's materials, components, and assemblies meet their functional and performance requirements.
Key responsibilities include:
- Producing and rapidly iterating conceptual designs in CAD
- Developing detailed design elements including composite inserts, laminates, joint details, metallic interfaces, and secondary structural elements
- Preparing drawing packages and laminate books while considering manufacturability throughout the design process
- Producing test jigs and fixtures to aid with fabrication, assembly, and development testing of components and assemblies
- Producing design documentation, FMEA, P&IDs, ICDs, and other technical deliverables
- Defining design requirements and designing prototype parts
- Improving design processes and proactively addressing quality issues as they arise
Desired experience areas include composites, moving mechanical assemblies, metallic structures, fluid routing, and materials engineering.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Aerospace, mechanical, or mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent qualification
- Background in one or more of the following: composites, moving mechanical assemblies, metallic structures, fluid routing, or materials engineering
- Note: For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices, background checks will be undertaken prior to employment offers. You must be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). You may be ineligible if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO member country, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.
