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!
THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND WITH RELOCATION PROVIDED.
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.
SYSTEMS ENGINEER – MECHANICAL AND FLUID
As a Systems Engineer, you will deliver cross functional support to teams to align Neutron’s mechanical and fluid system designs with the program’s strategy; requirements; operations and technical maturity phases. This role is based in Auckland, New Zealand.
Systems Engineers are strong communicators, who combine expertise in technical assessment to optimise system performance, and possess a depth of knowledge to be able to define process excellence for the project.
Successful candidates 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 a multidisciplinary engineer keen to hit the ground running in support of a complex project from critical design through to integration and launch.
Join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Drive cross-functional teams to ensure that mechanical components and fluid systems integrate seamlessly into an overall vehicle architecture that is capable of the project’s objectives.
- Work closely with design teams to verify requirements through analysis and test, ensuring that verification artefacts are documented and linked to requirements.
- Contribute to the evaluation of technical program decisions such as taking the lead on design studies and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Communicate internally and externally on the product status.
- Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to allow projects to proceed at pace.
- Define and uphold high quality engineering processes
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- 1-5 year’s industry experience applied to a relevant technical field (i.e. Structures, Fluid Systems, Mechanisms, Propulsion)
- Demonstrated experience in delivering complex multidisciplinary systems consisting of fluid systems, structures, mechanisms and/or propulsion with a broader awareness of other launch vehicle disciplines such as avionics hardware, avionics software, GNC, and/or Radio Communications.
- Proven track record of collaborating with cross functional stakeholders to guide projects from concept to completion.
- 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 aptitude to learn new material to solve difficult, ambiguous challenges.
- Working knowledge of Engineering design, CAD, Engineering drawings, manufacturing processes
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience with fault-tolerance strategies and architectures for safety and mission critical systems
- Strong understanding of quality management such as standards, regulations and applicable policies and procedures such as information, change and configuration management
- Experience with AIAA S-080, SMC-S-016 and other aerospace standards.
- Experience in Systems Engineering tools e.g. Rhapsody, DOORS, Jama
- Familiarity with risk management processes
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 [email protected] 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.
Rocket Lab Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Rocket Lab and has not been reviewed or approved by Rocket Lab.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as robust, with multiple HMO/PPO options and a 100% company‑sponsored HSA plan alongside dental and vision. Company materials and postings also note life and disability insurance and an overall strong medical offering for U.S. roles.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity participation is emphasized through RSUs and a discounted ESPP with a look‑back feature, positioned as a meaningful part of total rewards. Filings and benefits summaries highlight broad accessibility to ownership programs across many roles.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is outlined as a full suite that includes paid vacation, sick time, paid holidays, and paid parental leave. Some locations also feature supportive extras such as a childcare concierge and onsite amenities.
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What We Do
Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, spacecraft components, satellites and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle and the Photon satellite platform and is developing the Neutron 8-ton payload class launch vehicle. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 100+ satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a second launch site in Virginia, USA which is expected to become operational in late 2022. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.
