Mechanical Development & Test Engineer II

Job description

About The Role

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems.

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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world.

Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future.

Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

Structural & Mechanical Systems – Space Systems

The Structural & Mechanical Systems team is at the heart of spacecraft hardware development, supporting the design and delivery of cutting-edge structures, Photon platforms, and mission-critical payload systems.

Working closely with engineering and production teams, we bring new spacecraft concepts to life — from design and documentation through to manufacturing and performance optimisation.

As a Mechanical Development & Test Engineer II , you'll play a key role in ensuring the reliability and performance of our spacecraft structures and mechanical systems.

You’ll independently plan, design, and execute test programs that support every stage of the hardware lifecycle — from early-stage development to flight acceptance.

In this role, you’ll collaborate with design and analysis engineers to refine components, conduct qualification testing, and verify system performance.

While propulsion and avionics systems are owned by other teams, you'll occasionally support cross-functional testing at the component level, contributing to a truly integrated spacecraft development process.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans to support spacecraft development, qualification, and acceptance.
  
  This includes:
• Research testing to investigate anomalies or in-flight issues
• Development and qualification testing to validate evolving designs
• Acceptance testing to verify that hardware is flight-ready and meets strict performance standards
• Select and implement effective test strategies, automating processes where appropriate to improve efficiency and consistency.
  
  
• Own the full testing lifecycle — from planning and documentation to hands-on execution and reporting — for assigned components and systems.
  
  
• Drive continuous improvement by analysing test data, identifying performance gaps, and recommending new or refined testing methods.
  
  
• Collaborate across disciplines with design, analysis, and production teams to ensure all systems integrate seamlessly and meet mission requirements.
  
  

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, or Mechatronics preferred)
• 2+ years in development and/or test engineering
• Proficient in instrumentation and data acquisition (pressure, temperature, strain, etc.)
• CAD experience (NX or SolidWorks preferred)
• Strong hands-on engineering, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Clear communicator with a calm, safety-first mindset

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with NI LabVIEW, Python, or MATLAB
• Understanding of measurement error and error propagation
• Familiarity with pneumatic systems and energy storage structures

If you’re passionate about building things that fly—and even more excited about proving they work—this is your chance to make a real impact on missions headed for orbit and beyond.

Ready to test the limits of what's possible?

Apply now and help launch the future.

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 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, you may view ITAR Regulations.

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Required Skill Profession

Mechanical Engineering And Toolmaking