Ground Systems Engineer I/II- Mechanical
Rocket Lab Corporation · Auckland, NZ
- On site
- Auckland, NZ
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Subject: Interested in the Ground Systems Engineer I/II- Mechanical role at Rocket Lab Corporation
Hi Alex — I came across the Ground Systems Engineer I/II- Mechanical opening and wanted to reach out directly. I've spent the last few years doing exactly this kind of work, and Rocket Lab Corporation stood out because…
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About the role
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
Join our Ground Systems Engineering team and play a hands-on role in designing the infrastructure that supports Electron and Neutron launch vehicles - from the factory floor all the way to orbit. As a Ground Systems Engineer, you’ll work on real hardware, real launch pads, and real missions, gaining exposure across design, testing, and operations.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated early-career engineer who wants to learn fast, take ownership, and help deliver world-class launch systems.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
Design & Engineering
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project requirements
- Design mechanical systems including vehicle interfaces, structures, mechanisms, and fluid systems
- Create 2D and 3D models using CAD software
- Develop schematics, P&IDs, process diagrams, and BOMs
- Perform design trade studies and ensure compliance with engineering standards
- Work closely with vendors and internal production teams to optimize designs for manufacturability
- Contribute to risk assessments, hazard analyses, and FMEAs
- Produce technical documentation such as manuals, procedures, and work instructions
Integration & Test
- Support the development and execution of component- and system-level test plans
- Design and maintain test equipment
- Assist with post-test and post-flight data analysis
- Help maintain interface control documentation between launch vehicles and ground systems
Operations Support
- Work alongside test and operations teams to keep systems mission-ready
- Support installation, commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and launch operations - on-site or remotely
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Diploma or degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or CAD Engineering (or equivalent)
- Experience with structural design and industrial equipment
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience with launch pad systems, or industries such as oil & gas, mining, or process engineering
- Exposure to fluid system design
- Experience with NX, Teamcenter, SolidWorks, or EPDM
- Familiarity with ASME, ASTM, AS/NZS, or NASA ground system standards
- 1+ years of engineering design experience in aerospace or industrial sectors
WHY YOU'LL THRIVE HERE:
- You take ownership of your work and see tasks through to completion
- You’re curious, proactive, and always asking, “How can I help?”
- You’re eager to learn, seek feedback, and build your engineering judgment
- You value safety, teamwork, and doing things the right way
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Domestic and international travel may be required
- Commitment to health, safety, and company policies is essential
Apply now and take your first steps toward a career at the cutting edge of space systems engineering.
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.