Development Engineer I

About Rocket Lab and Team

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive aerospace company dedicated to accessible spaceflight through its launch vehicles, satellite components, and spacecraft manufacturing. With achievements such as the Electron rocket launching over 230 satellites and upcoming projects like the Neutron reusable launch vehicle, Rocket Lab supports critical missions including scientific research, Earth monitoring, national security, and technology demonstrations. The In-Space Propulsion (ISP) team focuses on the design and deployment of propulsion systems for space vehicles, contributing to projects such as the Curie engines and NASA's ESCAPADE Mars mission.

Role Overview

The Development Engineer I position involves vital contributions to the design, maintenance, and testing of spacecraft propulsion systems. This role entails collaboration with engineers, technicians, and analysts to ensure propulsion components meet mission standards through all development stages, including hands-on testing and technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Manage propulsion system design, engineering bills of materials, manufacturing communications, testing protocols, and lifecycle upkeep.
• Collaborate with technicians and engineers to assemble, test, and integrate delicate hardware components.
• Coordinate with cross-disciplinary teams to guarantee propulsion system integration and functionality.
• Compile and evaluate technical documentation for precision and clarity.
• Plan and manage long-duration projects, raising support requests and escalating issues as necessary.
• Recognize potential risks and actively contribute to mitigation strategies.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Strong sense of ownership with analytical and methodical problem-solving skills.
• Eagerness to learn and curiosity about engineering challenges.
• Solid foundation in mechanical engineering principles.
• Practical experience in the assembly or testing of mechanical or electromechanical systems.
• Demonstrated ability to execute engineering projects from design through operational phases.
• A minimum of 1 year of professional industry experience.
• Possession of an engineering degree.

Preferred Experience and Expertise

• Familiarity with rocket propulsion, fluid control components such as valves and regulators, or spacecraft propulsion technology.
• Expertise in any of the following areas: test planning and execution, data analysis, mechanical CAD design, systems engineering including requirements management and interface control, hardware system integration, or thermodynamics and structural analysis.

Additional Information

This position requires compliance with export control regulations. Specifically, candidates aiming to work in New Zealand must pass background checks to verify eligibility under the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Citizenship from specified countries or eligible nationalities is required. Rocket Lab is committed to equal employment opportunity without discrimination based on protected characteristics by law. Applicants needing accommodations during hiring are provided dedicated support.

Invitation

Professionals driven by space exploration ambitions are encouraged to apply and join the mission to push the boundaries of space travel.