Team Lead - Mechanical Design

Overview

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 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. We are developing 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 selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

About the Team

As the Team Lead for Mechanical Design, you will be a key member of the engineering leadership team on the Electron Program. Mechanical Design is one of four core engineering teams responsible for the design and development of Electron, the World’s No.1 small launch vehicle. The team comprises 10+ engineers with the following core competencies :

• Development & Test
• Analysis
• Configuration control

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of Electron. Rocket Lab welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds such as industrial, aerospace, automotive, or medical fields. If you have a strong grounding, we will teach you the rest.

You will have a relentless pursuit of value, efficiency and innovation to drive 100% mission success.

As the lead of a team of world-class mechanical engineers at the forefront of the new space industry, you will solve the most difficult technical challenges in one of the most exciting and fastest growing engineering fields.

You will thrive in our agile, fast paced, results oriented, high-performance culture which is a key pillar of our competitive advantage.

Team leaders get involved in mechanical design, peer reviews, signing off designs, prioritising work, project management and people management.

Every day at Rocket Lab brings brand new challenges. You will be involved in all aspects of the Electron rocket design including :

As a people leader at Rocket Lab you will be firm but fair who :

Key Skills

Desired Skills

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.

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, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations. 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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application / interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at This resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities. A response may take up to two business days.

For Candidates Seeking to Work in New Zealand Offices Only

Security background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers. Checks may include nationality checks as a requirement to access equipment and data regulated by ITAR / EAR.

You may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of certain countries or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship. More information on these regulations is available via the ITAR / EAR links.

This job description may include other compliance statements applicable to international hiring.

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