Senior Vehicle Design Engineer - Neutron Thrust Module - IN NEW ZEALAND (Relocation provided) at Rocket Lab USA

Long Beach, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Aerospace, SpaceIndustries

Requirements

Aerospace, mechanical or mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent qualification
5+ years designing high performance mechanical systems
Experience with CAD software such as NX (preferred), Fibersim (preferred), Solidworks, CATIA
The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team environment
Sound analytical skills and the ability to see the big picture and making connections and appropriate decisions
Have tenacity, a can-do attitude, and the ability to think quickly and make accurate judgements
Nice to Have
Experience in one of the following domain areas: Metallic or composite structures, Mechanisms, Pressurised systems, Fluid Systems

Responsibilities

Produce & rapidly iterate conceptual designs in CAD for structures and mechanisms across the Neutron launch vehicle
Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to allow projects to proceed safely and at pace
Engage with more experienced engineers across the team for ongoing mentorship and coaching, for both technical and behavioural skills
Prepare drawing packages & technical reports, ensuring manufacturability is considered throughout the design process
Produce design documentation, FMEA, P&IDs, ICDs etc
Support with the definition of design requirements
Support the testing structures and mechanisms, including composites and metallic components
Develop test plans, monitor test activities, and post-process and document test data to verify functional and performance requirements
Produce test jigs / fixtures to aid testing of components & assemblies

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

CADComposite StructuresMechanical StructuresMechanisms DesignStructural DesignManufacturingTestingIntegrationVehicle Design

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

Where is this job located and is relocation provided?

The position is based in Auckland, New Zealand, with relocation provided.

What qualifications are required for this role?

Candidates need an Aerospace, mechanical or mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent, plus 5+ years designing high performance mechanical systems and experience with CAD software.

What is the salary range for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What does the day-to-day work involve in this role?

You'll produce and iterate conceptual designs in CAD for structures and mechanisms, solve technical challenges, prepare drawing packages and reports, support testing, and develop test plans and jigs.

What experience makes a strong candidate for this position?

Strong candidates will have 5+ years designing high performance mechanical systems, CAD experience, and an engineering degree in Aerospace, mechanical, or mechatronic fields, with the ability to handle full lifecycle from design to testing.

Rocket Lab USA

Provides launch services and spacecraft solutions

About Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab provides comprehensive space solutions, including launch services, spacecraft components, and satellite management. Their main products are the Electron launch vehicle, which is designed for small satellite launches, and the Photon satellite platform, which supports various missions, including those for NASA. The Electron rocket has gained popularity, becoming the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket since its debut in 2018, successfully delivering over 100 satellites into orbit for various sectors. Rocket Lab differentiates itself from competitors by offering a streamlined approach to accessing space, with multiple launch sites and a focus on affordability and reliability. The company's goal is to make space more accessible and to support a wide range of missions, from national security to scientific exploration.

Long Beach, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2006Year Founded

$713.3MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Robotics & Automation, Aerospace, DefenseIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Flexible Spending Account

Company Equity

Wellness Program

Phone/Internet Stipend

Childcare Support

Gym Membership

Employee Discounts

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Professional Development Budget

Conference Attendance Budget

Flexible Work Hours

Hybrid Work Options

Risks

Increased competition from SpaceX as Rocket Lab develops the Neutron rocket.

Potential delays in Virginia launch site could impact schedules and revenue.

Reliance on New Zealand site poses risks from geopolitical tensions or natural disasters.

Differentiation

Rocket Lab's Electron is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually.

Photon platform supports NASA missions to the Moon, Mars, and private Venus missions.

Neutron rocket development positions Rocket Lab as a competitor in heavy-lift launches.

Upsides

Collaboration with Air Force Research Lab could lead to more defense contracts.

Operational efficiency shown by two launches in 24 hours from different hemispheres.

Investment by Pier 88 indicates strong investor confidence in Rocket Lab's growth.

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