Senior Development Engineer- Propulsion (Electron)

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!

ELECTRON

Rocket Lab’s Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across our launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is one of the world’s most frequently-launched rockets, and our team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each others’ back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again.

SENIOR DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER – PROPULSION

Join our dynamic team and take a leading role in driving technical innovation and ensuring product excellence. We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Engineer who will lead engineering solutions, manage design specifications, and support cross-functional teams.

In this role, you will be empowered to make independent engineering decisions that benefit the company both within and beyond your direct team. You will proactively identify and mitigate risks, manage cost implications, and address quality issues early in the process. Additionally, you will provide regular guidance to the rest of the team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Technical Leadership & Design Management: Oversee design or test specifications for both new and existing products to meet company requirements, manage engineering BOMs, and ensure seamless workflow using applicable software.

Manufacturing & Communication: Effectively communicate design specifications for manufacturing purposes, including materials, GD&T, and unique design elements. Plan, communicate, and verify R&D, qualification, and acceptance test requirements.

Verification & Lifecycle Management: Ensure designs meet company standards in collaboration with analysis, manufacturing, and testing teams. Define necessary operating, testing, maintenance, repair, and calibration information for product lifecycle management.

Testing & Training: Perform and oversee development test operations. Train relevant staff to perform test operations to the highest quality standards.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 6 years of industry experience with a degree in engineering
• Demonstrated skills and success in steering teams to deliver complete engineering projects from conception to operation
• Expertise in JAMA for managing requirements and verifications
• Proficient in Teamcenter and Jira
• Competent in NX to create CAF models and drawings
• Bsc degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronics or similar

Expertise in at least two of the following analysis types:

• Structural static/non-linear
• Modal/frequency domain
• Computational fluid dynamics
• Heat transfer/thermal
• Fatigue/creep
• DFMEA/PFMEA
• DMAIC/fishbone

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters or PhD
• End to end rocket and/or rocket engine development and operation experience

If this sounds like you and you're ready to make an impact in Aerospace, launch your career with us today!

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

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

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