Senior Development Engineer

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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 ROLE The Space Systems Propulsion team is responsible for developing and delivering qualified, flight-ready space vehicle propulsion systems.
The team takes on system-level and component-level ownership; from mission requirement through detailed design and qualification to integration and beyond, including pre-launch, launch, and on-orbit operations support.
Most designs and hardware are developed and manufactured in-house.
Examples of past work include the Curie and HyperCurie engines.
Currently, the team is working on the whole propulsion system for ESCAPADE, a NASA science mission to Mars, as well as the propulsion system for the Victus Haze mission.
The team consists of development engineers and development technicians with a range of experience and skill sets.
Each team member is expected to be capable of owning a component or system through its development lifecycle and production implementation.
This means that the skill set of the team spans systems engineering, design, build, and test, though individuals may have their specializations.
Engineers work hands-on, often alongside technicians, with development, qualification, and flight hardware.
Team members interface regularly with stakeholders across the company, including GNC, Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Flight Software, Thermal, Structural Analysis, and others.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
You will be responsible for:
Owning development of new or existing products or systems, acting as technical lead to guide the team through the end-to-end development process.
Conceptual and detailed performance calculations, systems modelling, analysis, and system designs.
Requirements gathering, definition, and management.
Systems engineering activities and leadership within the team.
Test planning, setup, instrumentation, execution, and data analysis.
Communicating with project stakeholders internal and external to the team.
Technical risk-based decision making to the right/best solution when faced with an engineering challenge.
Project management including schedule building and maintenance, identifying top priority items, tasking of other engineers and technicians, and communication of status to leadership and other teams.
Mentorship and coaching of people within the team on technical and professional development.
Defining and maintaining a standard of excellence for their team through documentation, training, coaching, and review of others' work.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
Engineering degree in mechanical, aerospace, mechatronics, or other relevant field.
5+ years of experience preferably in propulsion system development, or equivalent high-performance field.
Practical systems engineering mindset and approach.
Strong grasp of all steps in the Systems Engineering V and risk-based decision making.
Expertise in propulsion system modelling, static and transient analysis, and model validation using test data using software such as Amesim, EcosimPro, Simulink, Simscape, or similar.
Comfortable working with high levels of ambiguity.
Makes decisions using basic engineering principles, available literature and standards, technical risk assessments, test data, and physics-based models.
Experience with end-to-end development process including gathering requirements, detailed design, qualification, production, and acceptance testing.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team environment.
Heavy emphasis on achievement and details - getting things done efficiently, effectively, and to the highest quality standards.
A genuine passion for engineering, curious mindset, and willingness to learn.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Practice in identifying the necessary steps to achieve high-level technical goals, scheduling them in a plan, and managing delivery against that plan.
Experience with Jama or Rational DOORS.
Capabilities using Python for data manipulation and post-processing.
Demonstrated hands-on engineering skills, inside or outside the workplace.
Detailed mechanical design experience using NX (preferred) or equivalent industry-standard CAD software.
Experience using Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter (preferred), Windchill, or similar.
Masters or PhD.
Salary:
Dependent on experience, between NZD$ 100,000 to NZD$ 135,000.
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.
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.
Your application will include the following questions:
Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand?
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