Development Engineer I - 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.

DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER – PROPULSION

As a Development Engineer at Rocket Lab, you will play a vital role in maintaining and advancing our cutting-edge propulsion systems. With a focus on design or testing, you'll be handling low-risk engineering tasks. Your technical contributions will support the upkeep and innovation of our products, ensuring excellence in all we do.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Apply engineering concepts to solve challenges and complete tasks.
• Create, review, and approve technical documents.
• Manage design/test specifications, BOM responsibilities, and ensure product lifecycle maintenance.
• Identify and escalate risks appropriately; make low-risk decisions independently.
• Take full responsibility for tasks and projects, delivering results.
• Identify and solve challenges to improve cost, quality, reliability, and delivery.

ESSENTIAL TOOLS & SKILLS

• Requirements and verification (JAMA)
• EBOM and workflow management (Teamcenter, Jira)
• CAD and engineering drawings (NX)
• General design, documentation, and presentation tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous engineering experience relevant to the role (1- 2 years minimum)
• Ability to effectively transfer skills to rocket technology and deliver required outcomes.
• Proven track record of contributing to successful engineering projects from conception to operation.
• Bsc degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial, Mechatronic Engineering or similar

Experience with one or more of the following analysis types to solve industry problems:

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

NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters or PhD
• Rocketry or FSAE experience through university or previous employment

If you are passionate about propulsion technology and ready to elevate your engineering career, launch with Rocket Lab today! Apply now and become part of a team that's pushing the boundaries of aerospace innovation.

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.