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.

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.

CAD CONFIGURATION ENGINEER

As a Configuration Engineer specialising in CAD, you’ll play a critical role in supporting the development and maintenance of the Neutron Launch Vehicle CAD model, ensuring its stability, usability, and accuracy throughout the design and manufacturing process. Collaborating closely with design engineering teams, you’ll establish best practices, manage multiple configurations, and drive improvements to our implementation of Siemens NX and Teamcenter. Your expertise will ensure the CAD model evolves seamlessly as the design iterates, accurately representing the as-built structure and enabling the team to deliver world-class aerospace solutions.

This is your opportunity to join a passionate team tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and shaping the future of space exploration!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Support the design Engineering teams:
- Establish, demonstrate and implement CAD modelling best practices
- Ensure the CAD model is stable and usable by the design engineers
- Drive improvements to our implementation of Siemens NX and Teamcenter
Managing Vehicle Configurations:
- Oversee multiple configurations of the Neutron launch vehicle as they develop in parallel, incorporating design changes and managing effectivity of changes within the master assembly as the vehicle evolves.
- Control the Neutron launch vehicle’s structure within NX, ensuring the as-designed model accurately represents the as-built structure.
- Collaborate with manufacturing and design teams to maintain up-to-date mass properties across all configurations.
Enhance processes:
- Identify opportunities for improved modelling methods and implement solutions.
- Develop NX automations to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency across the engineering team.
- Create training material to enhance compliance with modelling standards across the engineering team.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (or equivalent experience)

Experience

2-10 year’s industry experience working with CAD and PLM tools.
2+ years of experience with Siemens NX and Teamcenter
Experience working with CAD models containing 5000+ unique items.

Technical Skills

Proficient in engineering design, including NX, engineering drawings and manufacturing states.
Working understanding of the Engineering Change Process and associated Configuration Management
Familiarity with PDM databases

Interpersonal Skills

Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and engineering professionals
The ability to work to tight deadlines within a high-pressure environment
Strong aptitude to learn new material to solve difficult, ambiguous challenges.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Experience coordinating cross-functional teams to align complex multidisciplinary systems consisting of fluid systems, structures, mechanisms and/or propulsion with a broader awareness of other launch vehicle disciplines such as avionics hardware, avionics software, GNC, and/or Radio Communications.
Understanding of large mechanical assemblies, ideally a launch vehicle structure.
NX automation experience (Python)

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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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, click here ITAR Regulations.