Senior Development Engineer - Neutron

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

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 N...

Development Engineers deliver across a broad set of vehicle domains including structural (i.e. Propellant tanks, interstage, fairings), mechanical (i.e. stage separation, landing, aerodynamic control), fluid (i.e. pressurant, propellant management, ignition, HVAC), and thermal (i.e. thermal protection) systems.

Produce & rapidly iterate conceptual designs in CAD for structures and mechanisms across the Neutron launch vehicle.  
Lead the testing structures and mechanisms, including metallic components, and integrated structural, mechanical and fluids assemblies; 
Develop test plans, monitor test activities, and post-process and document test data to verify functional and performance requirements; 
Develop and execute test activities to characterise structural materials, interfaces, and subcomponents 
Produce test jigs / fixtures to aid with fabrication, assembly, and development testing of components & assemblies; 
Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to allow projects to proceed safely and at pace; 
Feed testing outcomes back into the design and manufacture process to promote continuous improvement; 
Mentor, and technically assist junior engineers. 

Aerospace, mechanical or mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent qualification 
5+ years developing and testing high performance mechanical systems, with a focus on structures and/or mechanisms 
Experience with instrumentation selection, setup, post-processing, and interpretation of static & dynamic test data (load cells, accelerometers, strain gauges, pressure transducers etc.) 
The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines 
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team environment 
Sound analytical skills and the ability to see the big picture and making connections and appropriate decisions 
Heavy emphasis on achievement and details – getting things done efficiently, effectively and to the highest quality standards. 
Have tenacity, a can-do attitude, and the ability to think quickly and make accurate judgements.
Experience in one of the following domain areas:
Composites structures
Large scale structural testing
Cryogenic systems
Pressurized systems 
Mechanical moving assemblies  
Experience with CAD software such as NX (preferred), Solidworks, CATIA 
Experience using Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter (preferred), Windchill, or similar 
Experience using National Instruments data acquisition systems  
Programming in C+, matlab, labview or other 
Experience writing / reviewing safety risk assessments