Principal Development Engineer

Job description
About Rocket Lab

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. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

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.

What You'll Get To Do

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.

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

You will combine technical expertise in 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 technical field ( i.e. Aviation, Aerospace, Automotive, Marine)
Demonstrated experience with metallic materials and process development and qualification
Demonstrated experience with composites and related materials (prepregs, fibers, resins, cores, adhesives, coatings, etc.)
Demonstrated experience i n Carbon Fibre Manufacturing processes, including:
Hand-lamination (carbon fibre, fiberglass, Kevlar, etc.)
Out-Of-Autoclave OOA material systems
Bonding operations
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 ASTM standards relevant to composite testing
Experience with Siemens Team Center / Infor LN
Experience transitioning products from prototype to production
Experience with soft materials used in structural applications (e.g. O-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