Senior Ground Systems Engineer - Mechanical

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a fully integrated space company that provides responsive launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and related solutions, all aimed at expanding access to space. Its rockets and satellites help enable major space missions worldwide, including scientific research, Earth observation, climate-focused missions, national security work, and technology demonstrations.

The Electron launch vehicle is now the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket each year and has placed more than 230 satellites into orbit. At the same time, the company is advancing Neutron, its reusable medium-lift launch vehicle intended for larger constellation deployment. Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division develops satellites, payloads, and components, including hardware selected for NASA lunar and Mars missions and elements used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Role Overview

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Ground Systems Engineer - Mechanical to contribute to the design, construction, testing, and commissioning of the ground infrastructure that supports Electron and Neutron from production through to orbit. This is a chance to work in a highly technical, fast-moving environment and help shape critical systems for future missions.

In this position, you will act as a technical specialist and decision-maker for launch range and test cell structures, mechanisms, and fluid systems. The work involves environments that are highly vibratory, harsh, and hazardous, so strong engineering judgment and practical problem-solving are essential.

The role is hands-on and highly collaborative. You will partner with suppliers, technicians, operations staff, and cross-functional teams to deliver robust ground systems from early concept work through commissioning and support operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Engineer launch vehicle transporters, erectors, launch structures, spacecraft handling equipment, and ground support tooling.
• Develop fluid systems, including cryogenic systems, with attention to safety and operational efficiency.
• Carry out structural design and analysis for demanding, high-vibration, and hazardous conditions.
• Produce 2D drawings and 3D models in CAD tools such as SolidWorks and NX.
• Perform sizing calculations and engineering analysis using hand calculations and numerical techniques.
• Create and maintain bills of materials and interface control documents.
• Work with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure designs satisfy technical requirements.
• Coordinate with test and operations teams so systems are ready for mission use and meet operational needs.
• Assist pad technicians with installation, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting, both remotely and on site.
• Develop and run test plans to verify system performance and vehicle interfaces.
• Design, build, and maintain test equipment for ground systems.
• Review data from post-flight and post-test activities to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Lead facility and system build projects while keeping delivery on schedule and within budget.
• Support launch pad system certification and help create maintenance programs.
• Identify project risks and put mitigation actions in place.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent qualification.
• At least 6 years of experience in engineering design, testing, and/or operations within aerospace or industrial environments.
• Strong working knowledge of CAD tools, including SolidWorks and EPDM.
• Comfort working independently in a fast-paced, autonomous setting.
• Proven experience mentoring and guiding junior engineers.

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to launch pad systems or related industries such as oil and gas, process, mining, or similar sectors.
• Advanced capability in structural design and analysis.
• Understanding of fluid systems, sizing calculations, and P&IDs.
• Familiarity with industrial machinery and equipment.
• Experience using NX and Teamcenter.
• Working knowledge of ASME, ASTM, and/or NASA ground system standards.

What to Expect

This role sits within a company culture built on determination, teamwork, urgency, and a strong belief in solving difficult problems. The team works with a high level of accountability, supports one another, stays focused under pressure, and is expected to deliver results rather than dwell on obstacles.

Important Information for New Zealand Candidates

For security reasons, background checks will be completed before any employment offer is made. These checks include nationality screening because the role requires eligibility to access equipment and data controlled under the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Under these regulations, candidates may not be eligible if they do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO member country, or if they hold an ineligible form of dual citizenship or nationality.

Important Information for U.S. Candidates

For candidates seeking roles in U.S. offices, Rocket Lab notes that employment must comply with U.S. export control requirements, including ITAR. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or otherwise able to obtain the required authorizations from the relevant U.S. authorities.

Equal Opportunity

Rocket Lab states that it is an equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic. This applies to all employment actions, including hiring, promotion, compensation, training, and separation.

Accommodation Support

Applicants in the United States who need a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process may contact the designated support contact provided by the employer. This contact is intended only for candidates whose disability prevents them from applying or interviewing normally, and replies may take up to two business days.

Additional Notes

Background checks are required before employment offers in New Zealand. The company also emphasizes a culture of hard work, innovation, ownership, and operating effectively under pressure.