Director - Electron Design Engineering - IN NEW ZEALAND (Relocation provided)
 Rocket Lab USA | |
 United States, California, Long Beach | |
 Jan 29, 2026 | |
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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 rockethas 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 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:
WHAT YOU'LL BRING:
WHY JOIN ROCKET LAB? READY TO LAUNCH YOUR CAREER? 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 hereITAR Regulations. | |