Manager - Engineering - IN NEW ZEALAND (Relocation provided)

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. 

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND WITH RELOCATION PROVIDED. 

ENGINEERING AT ROCKET LAB
Engineering is the driving force behind Rocket Lab’s success. Our team designed Electron , the world’s most frequently launched small launch vehicle, and continues to push the boundaries of innovation in space technology. With a proven track record of developing world-class rockets and spacecraft, we’re transforming how humanity accesses and utilizes space.

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.

MANAGER - ENGINEERING
As the Manager - Engineering at Rocket Lab’s Auckland site, you’ll lead a talented team of engineers, oversee project execution, and ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions in a fast-paced environment. This role is pivotal to achieving strategic goals, managing resources, and providing technical leadership. You’ll champion best practices, drive operational efficiency, and foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and innovation.

Your leadership will set the tone for the team, ensuring deadlines are met, productivity is maximized, and Rocket Lab continues to deliver world-class solutions that redefine space exploration.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Provide direct leadership to Design Engineers, cultivating a high-performance culture focused on ownership, accountability, and pace.
• Participate in design reviews and make critical design trade-off decisions.
• Develop and execute Annual Operating Plans (AOPs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Manage department budgets and forecasting to ensure efficient resource allocation.
• Prioritize and allocate work based on risk assessment and return on investment (ROI).
• Drive the continued evolution of the Electron launch vehicle through strategic planning and execution.
• Unlock production bottlenecks by resolving issues promptly, seeking support when necessary, and driving root cause mitigations.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering.

• Experience: 15+ years in a complex, safety-critical design engineering environment.

• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex technical issues into executive summaries.

• Product Development: Proven experience transitioning products from design to high-volume manufacturing in a fast-paced, iterative design environment.

• Technical Skills:

  • Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, NX/Unigraphics, Catia).
  • Working knowledge of DFMEA, PFMEA methodologies, and Fault Tree Analysis.
  • Experience applying SPC (Statistical Process Control) methods to track process capability.
  • Basic competency with SQL databases and SQL programming.
  • Hands-on approach with a passion for continuous improvement and building exceptional hardware.
  • Expertise in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

WHY JOIN ROCKET LAB?
At Rocket Lab, you’ll be part of a team that’s redefining what’s possible in space exploration. You’ll work on cutting-edge technology, tackle complex challenges, and contribute to a mission that has a real impact on life on Earth. We offer a dynamic, fast-paced environment where innovation thrives, and your contributions will shape the future of space access.

READY TO LAUNCH YOUR CAREER?
If you’re ready to lead a team of world-class engineers and drive innovation in space technology, we want to hear from you. Apply today and be part of Rocket Lab’s mission to improve life on Earth through space exploration.

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 View email address on swooped.co. 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.