Team Lead - Mechanical Design – Y

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

As the Team Lead for Mechanical Design, you will be a key leader within the Electron Propulsion Development (EPD) team — one of three core engineering development groups in the Electron Engineering organisation. The EPD team is responsible for the design and development of propulsion systems for the Electron launch vehicle, working alongside its counterparts in Avionics Development and Vehicle Development. Each of these core teams is supported by dedicated Manufacturing Engineering teams to ensure a seamless transition from design to production. In this role, you will lead and contribute across these three interconnected development areas, collaborating closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to deliver high-performance, reliable hardware for orbital launch.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The EPD team is responsible for the full lifecycle development of the Rutherford and Curie engines, driving continuous improvements in performance and cost-efficiency. This includes ownership of all activities across design, test, and analysis. Engineers on the team are expected to take end-to-end responsibility for components and systems—from initial concept and detailed design through to production handover and ongoing support.

As a leader in this dynamic environment, you'll work across all three engineering development areas, guiding a multidisciplinary team whose expertise spans systems engineering, mechanical design, analysis, build, and test. The work is highly hands-on, with engineers collaborating closely with technicians on development, qualification, and flight hardware. Regular interaction with teams across the company—including GNC, Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Flight Software, and Analysis—ensures alignment and integration across all facets of the Electron launch vehicle.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Developing and executing annual operating plans based on business and department objectives
• Setting individual goals for team members and guiding them towards success
• Training and mentoring the team based on individual needs and professional paths
• Making escalated risk decisions within the propulsion scope
• Developing engineering standards both within the immediate team and across the organisation
• Upholding high company standards for best practice and quality of work
• Reviewing and approving drawings, specifications, reports and dispositions across the team

KEY SKILLS

• Strong understanding of best practices for project management, systems engineering, hardware development process and configuration management
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related
• Previous experience in an informal or formal technical leadership role
• Demonstrated ability to juggle numerous projects simultaneously whilst balancing cost, quality, and schedule to achieve best-for business solutions
• Excellent grasp of mechanical engineering fundamentals (g. stress, strain, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, mechanisms)
• Experience reviewing and approving technical content
• Ability to work effectively and maintain professional behavior when facing challenges
• Hands-on hardware testing experience

DESIRED SKILLS

• Experience working in a highly regulated industry (e.g. aerospace, medical)
• Rocket engine or spacecraft propulsion system development experience
• Proven track record of leading a team to deliver multiple complete and successful engineering projects from concept to operation
• Jama or equivalent requirements management software
• Programming in Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB or equivalent
• Siemens NX and Teamcenter proficiency
• Experience supporting an existing product in production

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