Director - Electron Design 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. 

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: 

• Leadership: Lead, mentor, and empower an industry-leading team of Design Engineers, cultivating a high-performance culture with efficiency, accountability, and speed. Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability for all team members. 
• Mission Critical Decision-Making: Collaborate with production, manufacturing engineering, and business development teams in design reviews and make critical design trade-off decisions. 
• Customer-Focused Innovation: Drive the continued evolution of the Electron launch vehicle to deliver increased performance and enable new mission capabilities.  
• Strategy and Planning: Develop and execute ambitious Annual Operating Plans tied to measurable Key Performance Indicators. Manage department budgets and forecasting to ensure efficient resource allocation. 
• Drive Commercial Thinking: Prioritize and allocate work based on broader business priorities, risk assessment, and return on investment. 
• Accelerate Production: Eliminate production bottlenecks by resolving issues promptly, escalating quickly, and driving root cause mitigations. 

WHAT YOU’LL BRING: 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering. 
• Experience: 10+ years in a complex, safety-critical design engineering environment.  
• Proven Project Delivery: You’ve personally spearheaded complex engineering projects and delivered real, measurable results.