Principal R&D Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets spacecraft and critical subsystems that keep the world connected protected expand humanitys reach to the Moon Mars and beyond. We move fast build real hardware for meaningful missions and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

NEUTRON

Rocket Labs Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutrons structures and components to firing up its new Archimedes engines to setting up Neutrons launch pads and test sites across the United States joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

PRINCIPLE R&D ENGINEER

Rocket Lab seeks a Principal Development Engineer to help build the Neutron platform: Rocket Labs medium lift reusable launch vehicle capable of human spaceflight. As a Principal Development Engineer you work closely with structural analysts designers manufacturing engineers and the prototyping team to develop and execute the design and certification strategy for mechanical structures and mechanisms across the Neutron launch vehicle.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO

Development Engineers combine technical excellence with strengths in technical planning and communication.

• You will combine technical expertise inaerospace/aviationmetallic materials with a general understanding of elastomers and thermal protection systems. Ideally you have had direct hands-on experience in the design manufacture and/or maintenance of high-performance systems in industry(i.e. aerospace marine aviation)
• You will be adept at managing to a plan and comfortable adjusting in response to evolving requirements or external constraints
• You will be able to clearly describe Neutrons design verification and certification strategy to internal and external customers and to inspire a team to deliver this vision

Day to day your key responsibilities could include:

• Work closely with mechanical engineers to rapidly assess conceptual designs perform system trade studies and develop integrated design solutions
• Define and document material architectural decisions from a component to system level such as:material selection properties and design allowables; process definition and control; inspection methods; and practices for continuous improvement
• Design and coordinate/execute testing to generate material property databases for metallic components
• Initiate manage and control projects including internal and external stakeholders to ensure they deliver on time to scope and within budget
• Actively contribute to technical decision making including conceptual preliminary and critical design test readiness change management and risk reviews
• Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to allow projects to proceed at pace
• Mentor and technically assist other engineers

Successful candidates in this role will thrive in ambiguity and are excited to work in a small high performing team focused on continued learning and growth. This position is ideal for an experienced multidisciplinary engineer keen to support a complex project from conceptual design through to integration and launch.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors orMastersdegree in Engineering(or equivalent experience)
• 8 years industry experience in the design development and test of material systems in a relevant high performance technical field( Aerospace AutomotiveRacingDefence)
• Demonstrated experience withmetallicmaterials and process development andqualification
• Experience in metallic material performance and characteristics
• Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and engineeringprofessionals
• The ability to work to tight deadlines within ahigh-pressureenvironment
• Strong desireto learn new materialin order tosolve difficult ambiguous challenges

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Knowledge of Aerospace standards regarding surface treatment heat treatment materialcomposition corrosion fracture mechanics
• Experience with Siemens Team Center / Infor LN
• Experience transitioning products from prototype to production
• Experience with soft materials used in structural applications(e.g. -rings seals lubricants)
• Experience in rapid composite tooling design and fabrication
• Experience in one/some of the following competencies: additive manufacturing heat treating machining welding of metallics
• Experience in aerospace adhesives and bonding processes
• Familiaritywith CAD software such as NX(Preferred) CATIA SolidWorks or Inventor
• Familiarity with quality systems including change and configuration management
• Hands-on experience including composite fabrication experience mechanical testing and/or thermal testing

ROCKET LAB EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• The opportunity to work on innovative and ground-breaking technology
• Relocation support and visa sponsorship
• An employee stock purchase program
• Access to world leading experts to develop your career
• Unlimited barista coffee fruit and snacks
• Rocket Lab merchandise - T-shirts mission patches etc.
• Discounted health insurance with Southern Cross
• Additional parental leave entitlements
• A vibrant team culture with social activities throughout the year

If the above sounds like youapply now!

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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.