Team Lead - Mechanical Design

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!

ABOUT THE TEAM

A rare opportunity has come up to shape the future of Electron, the world’s number one small launcher. As the team leader of our Electron mechanical design team your mission is the relentless pursuit of:

• The most innovative designs in the space business
• Right first time, every time
• 100% mission success
• Maximum value and efficiency

You will lead and build the best mechanical engineering team in the new space business. You will solve the most difficult technical challenges in one of the most exciting and fastest growing engineering fields. You will thrive in our agile, fast paced, results orientated, high performance culture which is a key pillar of our competitive advantage.

At Rocket Lab we pride ourselves in rolling up our sleeves and getting stuck in. Team leaders get involved in mechanical design, peer reviews, signing off designs, prioritising work, project management and people management.

Life at Rocket Lab is not for the faint hearted but, it is hugely exciting and varied. Every day at Rocket Lab brings brand new challenges. You will be involved in all aspects of the Electron rocket design including:

• Components (valves, actuators, tanks, structures)
• Pneumatic and fluid systems
• Propulsion
• Payload structures and many more

The team comprises the following disciplines and you will be expected to have an advanced level of experience in one or more of these. Rocket experience is always welcome but don’t worry if your background is from industrial, aerospace, automotive, medical or any other field. As long as you have a strong grounding, we will teach you the rest. Contrary to popular belief, it is not rocket science!

• Mechanical design
• Development & Test
• Analysis
• Configuration control
• Project engineering

We use Team Centre and NX but don’t worry if you come from a different PLM world, as long as you have a strong grounding, the conversion to Team Centre and NX is easy enough.

ABOUT THE ROLE

You will lead a team of 10+ engineers supporting the design, test and manufacture of the Electron launch vehicle and some Spacecraft, Space components and systems design.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• The mechanical design of the launch vehicle
• Launch day support
• 100% mission success
• Reduction of non-conformances and improving yield
• Root cause investigations

You are a firm but fair people leader who:

• Lives to win, but know how to pick up the team when they don’t
• Holds the bar high on team performance
• Gives open and honest feedback in the moment
• Encourages feedback from others
• Recruits only the best, often putting attitude ahead of years of experience
• Is always happy to get in the trenches with the team on any job. Nothing is beneath you, nothing is impossible.

KEY SKILLS

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics or Aerospace Engineering and at least 5 years of experience in one or more of the following core competencies; Mechanical Design, Development & Test, Analysis, Configuration control, or Project Engineering
• Excellent grasp of mechanical engineering fundamentals (g. stress, strain, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, mechanisms)
• Experience reviewing and approving technical content
• People management experience of teams of 5+
• Strong organisational and project management skills

DESIRED SKILLS

• Hands on experience building machines (at work or at home)
• Rocket or aircraft design
• Siemens NX and Teamcentre
• Python, LabView, Matlab or equivalent

If the above sounds like you apply now!

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