Senior Development Engineer

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. 

Build hardware that actually flies.

At Rocket Lab, the systems you work on don’t sit on a shelf - they launch, operate in orbit, and support real missions. From deep space exploration to Earth observation, the work here has weight.

We’re hiring a Senior Development Engineer (Propulsion Testing) to join our Space Systems team in Auckland.

WHAT YOU'LL DO: 

This is a hands-on, end-to-end development role. You’ll take ownership of propulsion components and fluid systems from early concept through to qualification and production. That means building test setups, running campaigns, analysing results, and solving the problems that show up when hardware meets reality.

You’ll work closely with a multidisciplinary team to develop new systems and improve existing designs - navigating challenges across development, qualification, and production to ensure mission success. Alongside this, you’ll help raise the standard: reviewing and signing off test plans and reports, guiding risk-based decisions, and mentoring other engineers.

Day to day, you’ll be deep in testing - planning, instrumentation, execution, and analysis, while keeping a systems-level view and communicating clearly with stakeholders across the business.

Real responsibility, real hardware, and the chance to do work that matters. You’ll be part of a team that values people who step up, stay close to the detail, and help others succeed.

If you’re looking for work that’s challenging, tangible, and genuinely impactful, this is it.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR: 

• Proven experience developing and testing propulsion, fluid, or other high-performance hardware
• Strong hands-on background with instrumentation, data acquisition, and test execution
• Experience working across the full development lifecycle, from requirements through to production
• Confidence operating in ambiguity and making sound, first-principles engineering decisions
• Experience with LabVIEW (or similar) and data analysis tools

NICE TO HAVE: 

• Background in aerospace testing (vibration, thermal, vacuum, leak, or life testing)
• Python for data analysis or modelling experience
• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD)

Apply 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 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.