Senior Development Engineer

Senior Vehicle Development & Test Engineer

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. SENIOR VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT & TEST ENGINEER The Vehicle Development team designs and improves the structures, mechanisms, and fluid systems of the Electron Vehicle, including analysis and testing to ensure requirements are met. Responsibilities include managing requirements, CAD, and testing of structural components, pressure vessels, and mechanical parts. The role involves mentoring within the Electron Engineering division while contributing to engineering outputs. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

1. Design & Prototyping:
   • Concept and iterate to achieve robust vehicle designs using NX/SolidWorks.
   • Manufacture prototypes and work with production to refine first articles.
   • Document design requirements and learnings.
2. Verification, Testing & Troubleshooting:
   • Develop and document test equipment, procedures, and analyses.
   • Manage and verify design adherence to requirements.
   • Conduct and automate testing, ensuring thorough documentation.
   • Investigate and resolve anomalies, applying engineering judgment to non-conforming products.
3. Planning & Execution:
   • Formulate and review test plans for aerospace standards compliance.
   • Execute development project plans and milestones for cross-functional teams.
   • Direct and conduct tests and analyse data to guide product development and risk assessment.
   • Maintain high standards in testing methodology and documentation.
   • Serve as a role model and mentor to the engineering team, fostering engagement and output.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in aerospace, mechanical, or mechatronic engineering, or equivalent.
• 5+ years in mechanical systems development/testing with expertise in one mechanical engineering domain.
• Strong under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Good hands-on engineering skills.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and systems-level thinking.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on high-quality, efficient work.
• Flexible and adaptable to change.
• Tenacious, with a can-do attitude and quick, accurate judgment.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Postgraduate engineering degree.
• Strong experience in one of these areas: pressurised mechanical systems, mechanical moving assemblies, composite structures, cryogenic systems (including oxygen service).
• Proficient with Solidworks or NX.
• Skilled in a scripting language (Python or Matlab) for data processing.
• Familiar with the National Instruments ecosystem.

Interested, Apply today! WHAT TO EXPECT 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr