Principal R&D Engineer

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. 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. PRINCIPLE R&D ENGINEER 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. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO Development Engineers combine technical excellence with strengths in technical planning and communication. You will combine technical expertise in aerospace/aviation 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 QUALIF…