ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 rocket has 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.

NEUTRON

Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

TEAM LEAD – NEUTRON TANKS

Join Neutron’s Mechanical team and lead the charge in delivering cutting-edge systems across structural, mechanical, fluid, and thermal domains for a next-generation launch vehicle. As a Mechanical Lead, you’ll manage a talented team of engineers and own the design, development, and delivery of critical systems from concept to launch. You’ll drive projects through all phases—design, testing, qualification, and integration—while collaborating across departments and solving complex technical challenges to keep progress moving at pace. This is your chance to lead groundbreaking engineering efforts, mentor a high-performing team, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of space exploration. If you thrive in ambiguity and are eager to take projects from vision to reality, this is the opportunity for you!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Lead the overall delivery of Neutron mechanical system(s) across their lifecycle: including conceptual & critical design, development test, qualification, integration, and operational support.

• Ensure successful delivery of key engineering projects through effective project management: including setup, monitoring, and control of schedule, budget, resource, & technical risk.

• Actively collaborate between departments (i.e. supply chain, quality, production) & teams (i.e. Fluids, Avionics, Propulsion) to ensure Program activities are appropriately prioritised.

• Manage, mentor, and support direct reports to be motivated, effective, and efficient in their roles.

• Coordinate activities between design, test and analysis engineers to develop & mature concepts, and manufacturing engineers to identify suitable materials, and define pragmatic build processes.

• Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to allow projects to proceed at pace.

Successful candidates in this role will thrive in ambiguity, and are excited to work in a small, high performing team focused on continued learning and growth. This position is ideal for an experienced engineer keen to lead projects from conceptual design through to integration and launch.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar field

• 5+ years’ experience within a high-performance industry environment (Aerospace, aviation, automotive, marine or equivalent)

• Proven track record of leading a team to deliver complete and successful engineering projects from conception to operation

• The ability to work to deadlines within a high-pressure environment

• Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues

Experience working on one or more of the areas below to solve industry related problems applicable to mechanical systems:

• Composite materials

• Moving Mechanical Assemblies

• Pressure Vessels

• Aerodynamic Control systems

• Fluid Systems

• Thermal Protection systems

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with CAD software such as NX (preferred), Solidworks, CATIA, or similar

• Experience using Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter (preferred), Windchill, or similar

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 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, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.

This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

*For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. *

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.