Principal R&D Engineer

rocketlab

Auckland, NZ · Auckland · New Zealand

Posted Jul 1, 2026

Other
2242 Neutron - Mechanical

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Job description

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.

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.

PRINCIPLE R&D ENGINEER

Rocket Lab seeks a Principal Development Engineer to help build the Neutron platform: Rocket Lab’s medium lift, reusable launch vehicle capable of human spaceflight. As a Principal Development Engineer, you work closely with structural analysts, designers, manufacturing engineers, and the prototyping team to develop and execute the design and certification strategy for mechanical structures and mechanisms across the Neutron launch vehicle. 

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

Development Engineers combine technical excellence with strengths in technical planning and communication.

You will combine technical expertise in aerospace/aviation metallic materials with a general understanding of elastomers, and thermal protection systems. Ideally, you have had direct hands-on experience in the design, manufacture, and/or maintenance of high-performance systems in industry (i.e. aerospace, marine, aviation)
You will be adept at managing to a plan, and comfortable adjusting in response to evolving requirements or external constraints
You will be able to clearly describe Neutron’s design, verification, and certification strategy to internal and external customers, and to inspire a team to deliver this vision

Day to day, your key responsibilities could include:

Work closely with mechanical engineers to rapidly assess conceptual designs, perform system trade studies, and develop integrated design solutions 
Define and document material architectural decisions from a component to system level, such as: material selection, properties, and design allowables; process definition and control; inspection methods; and practices for continuous improvement 
Design and coordinate/execute testing to generate material property databases for  metallic components 
Initiate, manage, and control projects including internal and external stakeholders to ensure they deliver on time, to scope, and within budget 
Actively contribute to technical decision making including conceptual, preliminary, and critical design, test readiness, change management, and risk reviews 
Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to allow projects to proceed at pace 
Mentor and technically assist other engineers

Successful candidates in this role will thrive in ambiguity, and are excited to work in a small, high performing team focused on continued learning and growth. This position is ideal for an experienced, multidisciplinary engineer keen to support a complex project from conceptual design through to integration and launch.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (or equivalent experience) 
8+ year’s industry experience in the design, development, and test of material systems in a relevant high performance technical field (i.e. Aviation, Aerospace, Automotive Racing, Defence) 
Demonstrated experience with metallic materials and process development and qualification 
Experience in metallic material performance and characteristics 
Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and engineering professionals 
The ability to work to tight deadlines within a high-pressure environment  
Strong desire to learn new material in order to solve difficult, ambiguous challenges

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

Knowledge of Aerospace standards regarding surface treatment, heat treatment, material composition, corrosion, fracture mechanics
Experience with Siemens Team Center / Infor LN 
Experience transitioning products from prototype to production 
Experience with soft materials used in structural applications (e.g. -rings, seals, lubricants) 
Experience in rapid composite tooling design and fabrication 
Experience in one/some of the following competencies: additive manufacturing, heat treating, machining, welding of metallics 
Experience in aerospace adhesives and bonding processes 
Familiarity with CAD software such as NX (Preferred), CATIA, SolidWorks, or Inventor 
Familiarity with quality systems including change and configuration management 
Hands-on experience including composite fabrication experience, mechanical testing, and/or thermal testing

ROCKET LAB EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

The opportunity to work on innovative and ground-breaking technology 
Relocation support and visa sponsorship
An employee stock purchase program 
Access to world leading experts to develop your career 
Unlimited barista coffee, fruit, and snacks 
Rocket Lab merchandise - T-shirts, mission patches etc. 
Discounted health insurance with Southern Cross 
Additional parental leave entitlements 
A vibrant team culture with social activities throughout the year

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.