Development Engineer (Materials & Processes) - Neutron

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.

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

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.

DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER (MATERIALS & PROCESSES)

Development Engineers deliver across a broad set of vehicle domains, including structural, mechanical, fluid, and thermal systems. The Development Engineer (Materials & Processes) role focuses on the development, characterization, and qualification of materials and manufacturing processes for the Neutron launch vehicle, supporting both metallic and composite applications.

This role will work closely with design, analysis, and manufacturing engineers to select materials, develop and optimize processes, and ensure robust, high-performance solutions for vehicle structures and systems. The Development Engineer (Materials & Processes) will be responsible for supporting material selection, process development, materials testing & qualification, and continuous improvement initiatives across the Neutron program.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Design elements including thermal protection systems, composites, metallic interfaces, and secondary structural elements, working closely with analysts to ensure designs are appropriately sized and structural & thermal requirements are met
• Develop and qualify materials and processes for primary and secondary structures, including metallics, composites, adhesives, and coatings
• Support design teams with material selection and process recommendations to meet structural, thermal, and environmental requirements
• Conduct material characterization, process validation, and operational oversight
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including material/process specifications, test reports, and procedures
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to manage, develop, and improve specifications and standards
• Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to enable rapid development and production
• Mentor and technically assist junior engineers
• Ideal candidates will thrive in ambiguity and are excited to work in a small, high-performing team focused on continued learning and growth. Success in this position will be measured by your technical expertise, ability to lead projects independently, and your ability to collaborate across teams to deliver results

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent qualification
• 2+ years’ experience in materials and processes engineering, preferably in aerospace or high-reliability industries
• Experience with material characterization techniques (e.g., mechanical testing, microscopy, NDT)
• Demonstrated capability in the implementation of materials and process qualification activities
• Experience with CAD software such as NX (preferred), SolidWorks, CATIA
• 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
• Have tenacity, a can-do attitude, and the ability to think quickly and make accurate judgements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Strong understanding of composites engineering fundamentals (mechanics of materials, classical lamination theory, material property characterization, design best practices, analysis methods, and manufacturing processes)
• Knowledgeable in modelling and structural analysis
• Experience in one of the following domain areas:
  • Cryogenic Systems
  • Thermal Protection Systems
  • Pressurized Systems
  • Mechanical Moving Assemblies
  • Fluid Systems
  • Instrumentation and Controls
• Hands-on composites manufacturing experience

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.