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Rocket Lab is seeking a Development Engineer II to join the Neutron team, responsible for designing and bringing the new large Neutron rocket and its launch and test sites to life. The fluids-focused Development Engineer II specialization owns the design, build, and testing of fluid systems across the Neutron launch vehicle, including all plumbing and hardware between the tanks and engines. The role translates vehicle-level requirements into fluid networks that deliver aircraft-like reusability and reliability.
You will work directly with analysis and manufacturing engineers to produce concepts, detailed designs, and drawing packages for 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 ensuring manufacturability is considered 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
- Modeling system behavior, sizing and selecting components, and integrating with propulsion and vehicle systems
- Iterating designs based on data from component, system, and vehicle-level testing
REQUIREMENTS:
- Aerospace, mechanical, or mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent qualification
- Experience in one or more of the following areas: composites, moving mechanical assemblies, metallic structures, fluid routing, or materials engineering
- ITAR eligibility: You must hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Department of Commerce. Background checks will be undertaken prior to employment offers.
