Team Lead In Space Propulsion, Space Systems

Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,500 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented.

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

About the role

The Team Lead – In Space Propulsion, is responsible for leading the team and engineering work for the propulsion related aspects of space missions, including engine and associated plumbing. This role focuses primarily on new development projects achieving their functional requirements to the required quality and schedule which can include the project management of any outsourced propulsion systems for satellite programs. The second priority of this role is the engineering work required to meet production quality and rate for existing designs e.g. Curie and Hypercurie. The Lead Engineer has the scope to direct the team's engineering efforts across and outside the direct team in the best interest of the company. The team lead is responsible for setting team direction, taking escalated decisions, and solving team/company challenges through guidance and resource allocation of direct reports.  

Essential skills

• 6 years’ industry experience

• Engineering degree

• Experience from previous employment that meets engineering experience title and skills

• Has demonstrated skills within the rocket propulsion industry where applicable to deliver required company outcomes

• Proven track record of leading a team to deliver multiple complete and successful engineering projects from conception to operation

• Experience working in one or more of the areas below to solve industry related problems applicable to rocket engines:

• Structural static and/or non-linear analysis

• Modal and/or frequency domain analysis

• Computational fluid dynamics analysis

• Heat transfer or thermal analysis

• Sensors and instrumentation

• Software Engineering

Desired Skills

• Masters or PhD
• End to end rocket engine development and operation program leadership experience

Rocket Lab Employee Benefits

• The opportunity to work on innovative and ground breaking technology
• An employee stock purchase program
• Access to world leading experts to develop your career
• Unlimited barista coffee, fruit, and snacks
• Rocket Lab merchandise – T-shirts, mission patches etc.
• Discounted health insurance with Southern Cross
• Additional parental leave entitlements
• A vibrant team culture with social activities throughout the year

If the above sounds like you apply now!

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations fromthe U.S Department of State.

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 Biow 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.