SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Development Engineer to join the Neutron team, responsible for bringing the company's new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. This role focuses on designing, testing, and qualifying structures and components across multiple vehicle domains including structural systems (propellant tanks, interstage, fairings), mechanical systems (stage separation, landing, aerodynamic control), fluid systems (pressurant, propellant management, ignition, HVAC), and thermal systems (thermal protection).
You will work directly with analysis and manufacturing engineers to produce conceptual designs, detailed designs, and drawing packages for metallic components and assemblies. Key responsibilities include leading the testing of structures and mechanisms including metallic components and integrated structural, mechanical, and fluids assemblies; developing test plans, monitoring test activities, and post-processing and documenting test data to verify functional and performance requirements; developing and executing test activities to characterize structural materials, interfaces, and subcomponents; producing test jigs and fixtures to aid with fabrication, assembly, and development testing; proactively identifying and solving technical challenges to allow projects to proceed safely and at pace; feeding testing outcomes back into the design and manufacture process to promote continuous improvement; and mentoring and technically assisting junior engineers.
You will produce and rapidly iterate conceptual designs in CAD for structures and mechanisms across the Neutron launch vehicle, working in a fast-paced environment where real hardware is built for meaningful missions.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Aerospace, mechanical, or mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent qualification
- Experience in one or more of the following areas: composites, moving mechanical assemblies, or metallic structures
- For New Zealand office positions: Must be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by 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. Background checks will be undertaken prior to employment offers.
