Rocket Lab
Director - Electron Design Engineering - IN NEW ZEALAND (Relocation provided)
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 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.
THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND WITH RELOCATION PROVIDED.
ENGINEERING AT ROCKET LAB
Engineering is the driving force behind Rocket Lab’s success. Our team designed Electron, the world’s most frequently launched small launch vehicle, and continues to push the boundaries of innovation in space technology. With a proven track record of developing world-class rockets and spacecraft, we’re transforming how humanity accesses and utilizes space.
At Rocket Lab, you’ll collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry—engineers from diverse backgrounds and experience levels, all united by a shared mission: going to space to improve life on Earth. Our engineering team spans disciplines including design, analysis, development, testing, manufacturing and launch support.
DIRECTOR – ELECTRON DESIGN ENGINEERING
As Director – Design Engineering at Rocket Lab’s Auckland Production Complex, you will lead a high-performing engineering organization responsible for the ongoing evolution of Electron, the world’s leading small launch vehicle. You’ll oversee teams that design, develop, prototype, and test critical rocket components and subsystems, driving improvements in performance, manufacturability, production rate, and mission capability.
In this role, you’ll combine deep engineering expertise with strong business and strategic leadership. You’ll identify future product growth opportunities, solve complex technical challenges, and ensure engineering execution aligns with program, cost, and schedule priorities. You’ll champion best practices, operational efficiency, and a culture of ownership, accountability, and innovation, setting the standard for technical excellence and delivery.
Space industry experience is a plus but not required. We’re looking for an energetic, decisive leader with extensive engineering experience, strong commercial judgment, and the ability to inspire teams delivering technology with global impact.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Leadership: Lead, mentor, and empower an industry-leading team of Design Engineers, cultivating a high-performance culture with efficiency, accountability, and speed. Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability for all team members.
- Mission Critical Decision-Making: Collaborate with production, manufacturing engineering, and business development teams in design reviews and make critical design trade-off decisions.
- Customer-Focused Innovation: Drive the continued evolution of the Electron launch vehicle to deliver increased performance and enable new mission capabilities.
- Strategy and Planning: Develop and execute ambitious Annual Operating Plans tied to measurable Key Performance Indicators. Manage department budgets and forecasting to ensure efficient resource allocation.
- Drive Commercial Thinking: Prioritize and allocate work based on broader business priorities, risk assessment, and return on investment.
- Accelerate Production: Eliminate production bottlenecks by resolving issues promptly, escalating quickly, and driving root cause mitigations.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering.
- Experience: 10+ years in a complex, safety-critical design engineering environment.
- Proven Project Delivery: You’ve personally spearheaded complex engineering projects and delivered real, measurable results.
- People Leadership: Demonstrated ability to build, influence, mentor and guide high performance teams to deliver exceptional results.
- Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil complex technical issues into executive summaries.
- Product Development: Proven experience transitioning products from design to high-volume manufacturing in a fast-paced, iterative design environment.
- Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, NX/Unigraphics, Catia).
- Working knowledge of DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, and Fault Tree Analysis.
- Hands-on approach with a passion for continuous improvement and building exceptional hardware.
- Experience with Jira workflow management.
- Expertise in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), bill of materials management and configuration control would be a strong advantage.
WHY JOIN ROCKET LAB?
At Rocket Lab, you’ll be part of a team that’s redefining what’s possible in space exploration. You’ll work on cutting-edge technology, tackle complex challenges, and contribute to a mission that has a real impact on life on Earth. We offer a dynamic, fast-paced environment where innovation thrives, and your contributions will shape the future of space access.
READY TO LAUNCH YOUR CAREER?
If you’re ready to lead a team of world-class engineers and drive innovation in space technology, we want to hear from you. Apply today and be part of Rocket Lab’s mission to improve life on Earth through space exploration.
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 [email protected] 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.
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