R&D Mechanical EngineerActive

The opportunity

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine.

What you'll do

  • Leading R&D and product development projects from idea to completion

  • Designing metallic structures and components products using modern CAD tools

  • Working hands‑on with fabrication processes: sheet metal, welding, machining, assembly, or similar

  • Developing prototypes, running tests, and refining designs

  • Collaborating with production, quality, suppliers, and operations teams

  • Preparing documentation, drawings, specifications, and project reports

What they're looking for

  • –8 years of engineering experience, ideally in R&D, product development, or mechanical design
  • Background in aerospace, aviation, oil and gas, or industrial engineering environments
  • Proven track record of leading or delivering technical projects
  • Strong practical fabrication knowledge