Senior Vehicle Design Engineer

Job Description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Vehicle Design Engineer to join their Structural & Mechanical Systems team in Auckland. In this role, the engineer will influence the design of spacecraft projects, contributing to hardware development from start to finish. The engineer will collaborate with other engineering teams and production to bring new concepts to life, improve performance, reduce risk, and lower manufacturing costs.Role involves:

• Performing design R&D and design updates to spacecraft platforms and space systems hardware.
• Assisting with design documentation, FMEA, P&IDs, and ICDs.
• Leading design projects with stakeholder buy-in and collaboration.
• Defining design requirements.
• Designing prototype parts and tooling.
• Improving design processes.
• Developing mission-specific layouts for customer payloads.
• Addressing quality issues from the production floor.
• Mentoring junior engineers.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in Engineering.
• Experience with 3D CAD software (NX CAD preferred) and PLM solution (Teamcenter).
• Creative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and plan daily workflow.
• Clear communication skills and ability to work under pressure.

Role offers:

• Opportunities for end-to-end hardware development.
• Chance to see designs reach space.
• Work in a high-performing team focused on learning and growth.