Development Engineer

rocketlab· 2413 Electron Propulsion Engineering
Apply Now ↗
📍 Auckland, NZ

About this role

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.

 

ABOUT ENGINEERING AT ROCKET LAB:

Engineering is the heart of Rocket Lab. We build world-class rockets and spacecraft and we launch them, often.

As a Development Engineer for Electron Propulsion, you'll design, test and refine the systems that get Electron to orbit. That means engines, turbopumps, valves, injectors and the fluid systems that feed them.

First sketch to flight-ready hardware. You'll define the requirements, iterate in NX with analysis and manufacturing engineers, own the EBOM, and release the drawings that get parts built, then plan and run the test campaign, from component rigs to hot fire, that proves your hardware is ready to fly. And once it's flying, you'll define how it's operated and maintained.

It's hands-on, fast-paced problem solving where rapid innovation meets the highest safety standards and your hardware launches.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Design and specification ownership
  • EBOM and workflow
  • Design for manufacturing
  • Test planning and execution
  • Product lifecycle support
  • Cross-functional reviews

Some days you're deep in a dynamic dataset, other days you're on the production floor refining designs with critical feedback sessions from technicians or in the development lab testing concepts or flight ready designs. Both days are good days. This is not just a desk job.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • An engineering degree and 2+ years' industry experience in a manufacturing environment
  • High-volume production experience
  • A project you owned end to end concept through design, build and test, into operation. Not one you contributed to but one you carried
  • Skills that transfer. You don't need to have built a rocket. You need to have solved hard engineering problems well enough that the domain is the only new thing

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Master's or PhD
  • Rocket, aerospace or automotive background
  • Applied analysis - structural, modal, CFD, thermal, fatigue, DFMEA/PFMEA or DMAIC
  • Experience with our toolset - NX, Teamcenter, JAMA and Jira. If you've used the equivalents, you'll pick these up fast

If the above sounds like you apply now!

 

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the salary disclosed for the Development Engineer position at rocketlab?
The salary for this Development Engineer role at rocketlab is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the Development Engineer position at rocketlab located?
This Development Engineer role at rocketlab is based in Auckland, NZ. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Which team or department does the Development Engineer at rocketlab belong to?
This Development Engineer position is part of the 2413 Electron Propulsion Engineering department at rocketlab. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Development Engineer position at rocketlab?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to rocketlab's official application portal hosted on greenhouse where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Development Engineer job at rocketlab posted?
This Development Engineer position at rocketlab was posted on Sep 30, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Development Engineer
rocketlab
Apply for this role ↗

You'll be redirected to rocketlab's official application page on Greenhouse.