Job Description
Full job description
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.
Shape the Systems That Launch Rockets
Join our Ground Systems Engineering team and play a hands-on role in designing the infrastructure that supports Electron and Neutron launch vehicles—from the factory floor all the way to orbit. As a Junior Ground Systems Engineer, you'll work on real hardware, real launch pads, and real missions, gaining exposure across design, testing, and operations.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated early-career engineer who wants to learn fast, take ownership, and help deliver world-class launch systems.
What You'll Do
Design & Engineering
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project requirements
Design mechanical systems including vehicle interfaces, structures, mechanisms, and fluid systems
Create 2D and 3D models using CAD software
Develop schematics, P&IDs, process diagrams, and BOMs
Perform design trade studies and ensure compliance with engineering standards
Work closely with vendors and internal production teams to optimize designs for manufacturability
Contribute to risk assessments, hazard analyses, and FMEAs
Produce technical documentation such as manuals, procedures, and work instructions
Integration & Test
Support the development and execution of component- and system-level test plans
Design and maintain test equipment
Assist with post-test and post-flight data analysis
Help maintain interface control documentation between launch vehicles and ground systems
Operations Support
Work alongside test and operations teams to keep systems mission-ready
Support installation, commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and launch operations—on site or remotely
What We're Looking For
Essential
Diploma or degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or CAD Engineering (or equivalent)
Experience with structural design and industrial equipment
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics
Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
Desirable
Experience with launch pad systems, or industries such as oil & gas, mining, or process engineering
Exposure to fluid system design
Experience with NX, Teamcenter, SolidWorks, or EPDM
Familiarity with ASME, ASTM, AS/NZS, or NASA ground system standards
1+ years of engineering design experience in aerospace or industrial sectors
Why You'll Thrive Here
You take ownership of your work and see tasks through to completion
You're curious, proactive, and always asking "How can I help?"
You're eager to learn, seek feedback, and build your engineering judgment
You value safety, teamwork, and doing things the right way
Additional Information
Domestic and international travel may be required
Commitment to health, safety, and company policies is essential
Apply now and take your first steps toward a career at the cutting edge of space systems engineering.
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, ****** 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.
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.
Shape the Systems That Launch Rockets
Join our Ground Systems Engineering team and play a hands-on role in designing the infrastructure that supports Electron and Neutron launch vehicles—from the factory floor all the way to orbit. As a Junior Ground Systems Engineer, you'll work on real hardware, real launch pads, and real missions, gaining exposure across design, testing, and operations.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated early-career engineer who wants to learn fast, take ownership, and help deliver world-class launch systems.
What You'll Do
Design & Engineering
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project requirements
Design mechanical systems including vehicle interfaces, structures, mechanisms, and fluid systems
Create 2D and 3D models using CAD software
Develop schematics, P&IDs, process diagrams, and BOMs
Perform design trade studies and ensure compliance with engineering standards
Work closely with vendors and internal production teams to optimize designs for manufacturability
Contribute to risk assessments, hazard analyses, and FMEAs
Produce technical documentation such as manuals, procedures, and work instructions
Integration & Test
Support the development and execution of component- and system-level test plans
Design and maintain test equipment
Assist with post-test and post-flight data analysis
Help maintain interface control documentation between launch vehicles and ground systems
Operations Support
Work alongside test and operations teams to keep systems mission-ready
Support installation, commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and launch operations—on site or remotely
What We're Looking For
Essential
Diploma or degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or CAD Engineering (or equivalent)
Experience with structural design and industrial equipment
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics
Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
Desirable
Experience with launch pad systems, or industries such as oil & gas, mining, or process engineering
Exposure to fluid system design
Experience with NX, Teamcenter, SolidWorks, or EPDM
Familiarity with ASME, ASTM, AS/NZS, or NASA ground system standards
1+ years of engineering design experience in aerospace or industrial sectors
Why You'll Thrive Here
You take ownership of your work and see tasks through to completion
You're curious, proactive, and always asking "How can I help?"
You're eager to learn, seek feedback, and build your engineering judgment
You value safety, teamwork, and doing things the right way
Additional Information
Domestic and international travel may be required
Commitment to health, safety, and company policies is essential
Apply now and take your first steps toward a career at the cutting edge of space systems engineering.
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, ****** 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.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Junior Ground Systems Engineer - Mechanical - Team X position is now open for candidates interested in the Back Office Jobs sector. This role in Auckland offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Back Office Jobs is a plus.
