Mechanical Engineer II, Neutron Avionics

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company dedicated to opening access to space. We deliver responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, and satellite components. Our rockets and satellites enable ambitious global missions, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate change mitigation, national security, and new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, delivering over 230 satellites to orbit. Simultaneously, we are developing Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle designed for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business builds satellites and components selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

About the Neutron Mission

Neutron is a medium-lift launch vehicle capable of delivering mega constellations, high-assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron leverages Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program to deliver a cost-effective and reliable solution. Joining this high-performing team offers the opportunity to push the boundaries of humanity with a clean-sheet, reusable launch vehicle.

The Role: Mechanical Engineer II - Neutron Avionics

Based at our headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Mechanical Engineer II, Neutron Avionics, is responsible for the development and implementation of mechanical designs and packaging solutions for the electronics that power Neutron. From cradle to grave, you will create the mechanical components that enable avionics across the vehicle—including the Archimedes engine, GNC sensing and computing, and the explosive flight safety system—to reliably operate in extreme launch vehicle environments across many re-flights.

You will work with fellow avionics designers to develop innovative solutions for integrating avionics, optimizing for cost, mass, and production rate. You will be part of a small, agile, and effective US-based avionics team that works hands-on with physical flight hardware on the production floor and at the launch site. This role offers the unique experience of seeing vehicle hardware transform from prototype to production, through various test sites, and finally coming together at the launch site with the full Neutron vehicle.

Our Culture

We are on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. This is not an easy task; it requires 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 delivery rather than dwelling on challenges.

Hiring Process & Application

U.S. Candidates: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, refugee, or asylum grantee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Commerce.

New Zealand Candidates: For security reasons, background checks including nationality checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers. Eligibility to access equipment and data regulated by ITAR is required; you may be ineligible if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO country, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship.

Accommodations: Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process 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 applying or interviewing.

Equal Opportunity

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, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.