Principal R&D 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 to 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. 

NEUTRON

Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s 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.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

Rocket Lab seeks a Principal Development Engineer to help build the Neutron platform: Rocket Lab’s 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. 

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

• You will combine technical expertise in metallic 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 Neutron’s 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.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (or equivalent experience) 
• 8+ year’s industry experience in the design, development, and test of material systems in a relevant technical field (i.e. Aviation, Aerospace, Automotive, Marine) 
• Demonstrated experience with metallic materials and process development and qualification 
• Demonstrated experience with composites and related materials (prepregs, fibers, resins, cores, adhesives, coatings, etc.) 
• Demonstrated experience in Carbon Fibre Manufacturing processes, including: 
  • Hand-lamination (carbon fibre, fiberglass, Kevlar, etc.) 
  • Out-Of-Autoclave OOA material systems 
  • Bonding operations  
• Experience in metallic material performance and characteristics 
• Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and engineering professionals 
• The ability to work to tight deadlines within a high-pressure environment  
• Strong desire to learn new material in order to solve difficult, ambiguous challenges

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Knowledge of ASTM standards relevant to composite testing 
• Experience with Siemens Team Center / Infor LN 
• Experience transitioning products from prototype to production 
• Experience with soft materials used in structural applications 
  (e.g. O-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 with cryogenic and elevated temperature applications of non-metallic materials (pressurized and unpressurized) 
• Experience in aerospace adhesives and bonding processes 
• Familiarity with 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 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 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.