PitchMeAI Jobs
Rocket Lab Corporation

Development Engineer II - Thermal Protection Systems

Rocket Lab Corporation · Auckland, NZ

Posted about 2 months ago

or apply directly on Rocket Lab Corporation's site. We never take the application ourselves.

Is this posting real?

This role has been open
66 days
Rocket Lab Corporation's roles stay open a median of 64 days
Reposted
No
Salary listed
No
0% of Rocket Lab Corporation's roles list one
Ghost-job risk at Rocket Lab Corporation
high
310 stale, 12 reposted of 455 open
Hiring momentum
683 roles opened in the last 90 days
↑ up vs. the prior 90 days
Last confirmed on the employer's board
2026-10-08

Measured from postings appearing on and disappearing from Rocket Lab Corporation's own greenhouse board since 2026-08-03. Full hiring picture for Rocket Lab Corporation.

About this role

As a Development Engineer specializing in Thermal Protection Systems at Rocket Lab, you will design and develop innovative thermal protection systems for the Neutron launch vehicle. Your role will involve creating detailed designs using CAD, collaborating with various teams to ensure structural integrity, and managing analysis tools for thermal performance. You will also mentor junior engineers and engage in hands-on testing and manufacturing activities to validate your designs.

Our read on this posting2.2out of 5
benefits
1/5
freshness
1/5
career value
4/5
role clarity
5/5
pay transparency
0/5

Scored from the posting itself — how clearly the role is described, how much it says about pay and benefits, and how recently it was listed. Not a judgement of Rocket Lab Corporation as an employer.

What you need

  • Aerospace, mechanical or mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent qualification
  • 2 - 4 years of design experience, designing high performance mechanical or thermal systems
  • A strong understanding of material science, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and aerodynamics, with specific focus on their application to TPS
  • 2 years experience with CAD software and modelling tools for mechanical and thermal design and analysis
  • The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team environment

Nice to have

  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals (mechanics of materials, thermodynamics, material property characterization, design best practices, analysis methods, and manufacturing processes)
  • Advanced skills with Python and MATLAB
  • Familiarity with CFD – StarCCM, Ansys Fluent, COMSOL or equivalent
  • Familiarity with engineering trade studies and material selection
  • Experience with thermal testing, data acquisition, test hardware, and test planning

Worth weighing

  • No salary listed
  • Candidates must meet specific nationality requirements due to ITAR regulations
  • Background checks will be conducted prior to employment offers in New Zealand
  • The role requires a high level of pressure and tight deadlines, which may not suit everyone

Summarised from Rocket Lab Corporation's posting. Read the full original.

Listed by Rocket Lab Corporation on their greenhouse job board, last confirmed open on 2026-10-08. PitchMeAI is not the employer.

More roles at Rocket Lab Corporation

All 455 open roles at Rocket Lab Corporation →