R&D Mechanical Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.
While other companies talk about it, we do it!
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.
Are you an experienced R&D or Product Development Engineer looking to take ownership of meaningful, hands‑on engineering projects? We’re looking for a motivated engineer with a strong fabrication background and proven project leadership capability to join our team.
In this role, you will lead end‑to‑end development projects, from concept and design through prototyping, testing, and successful delivery into production. You’ll work closely with fabrication teams and cross‑functional stakeholders to develop innovative steel and stainless‑steel products that meet performance, safety, and manufacturing requirements.
You won’t be stuck on long, drawn‑out development cycles here. Our projects are short, fast‑moving, and highly varied, giving you the chance to quickly see your concepts come to life. It’s an energising environment for engineers who enjoy momentum, autonomy, and tangible results.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
Leading R&D and product development projects from idea to completion
Designing metallic structures and components products using modern CAD tools
Working hands‑on with fabrication processes: sheet metal, welding, machining, assembly, or similar
Developing prototypes, running tests, and refining designs
Collaborating with production, quality, suppliers, and operations teams
Preparing documentation, drawings, specifications, and project reports
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
5–8 years of engineering experience, ideally in R&D, product development, or mechanical design
Background in aerospace, aviation, oil and gas, or industrial engineering environments
Proven track record of leading or delivering technical projects
Strong practical fabrication knowledge
Experience designing products in steel and stainless steel
Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo, etc.)
Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work across teams
A proactive, hands‑on approach and a genuine interest in product innovation
Apply now and join a team where your engineering expertise can truly shape real-world innovation.
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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This 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.