---
title: 'Development Engineer II - Thermal Protection Systems at Rocket Lab Corporation'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/development-engineer-ii-thermal-protection-systems-rocket-lab-corporation-j19926f5kn0w'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-09'
---

# Development Engineer II - Thermal Protection Systems at Rocket Lab Corporation

- **Company:** Rocket Lab Corporation
- **Location:** Auckland, New Zealand
- **Posted:** 2026-01-20
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-09
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/rocketlab/jobs/7598183003

## Job description

## ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

## NEUTRON

Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

## DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER II – THERMAL PROTECTION SYSTEMS

As a Development Engineer II specializing in Thermal Protection Systems (TPS), you'll be at the forefront of designing cutting-edge vehicle structures that withstand extreme environments. Collaborating closely with analysis, design, and manufacturing teams, you'll transform innovative concepts into detailed designs and precision-engineered components using advanced metallic and composite materials. Your expertise in testing, control, modelling, and analysis will be critical to ensuring the performance and reliability of these systems. This is your opportunity to push the boundaries of engineering and contribute to the creation of next-generation aerospace technologies!

Join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

## WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

- Drive innovation by creating and rapidly iterating conceptual designs in CAD for cutting-edge thermal protection systems and subassemblies across metallic and composite structures for the Neutron launch vehicle.
- Design critical elements such as composite assemblies, material stack-ups, joint details, seals, fastening solutions, and metallic interfaces, while collaborating closely with analysts to ensure structural and thermal requirements are met with precision.
- Lead the creation of detailed drawing packages and assembly models, working hand-in-hand with the production team to ensure seamless design-for-manufacture throughout the process.
- Own, maintain, and manage analysis tools and methods for 1D and 2D/3D analysis of thermal performance of design features.
- Design and implement hardware, instrumentation, and test articles to streamline development testing and correlation of models, enabling efficient validation of components and assemblies.
- Support TPS solutions hands-on through qualification, manufacturing, and integration activities via direct engagement with interfacing technical teams.
- Collaborate with Thermofluids and structures teams as primary interface on aerothermal and TPS related tools and topics
- Inspire and empower the next generation of engineers by providing mentorship and technical guidance to junior team members, leveraging and creating technical documentation to enhance capabilities through analysis tools and thermal testing procedures.

## YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

- Aerospace, mechanical or mechatronic engineering degree or equivalent qualification
- 2 - 4 years of design experience, designing high performance mechanical or thermal systems
- A strong understanding of material science, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and aerodynamics, with specific focus on their application to TPS
- 2 years experience with CAD software and modelling tools for mechanical and thermal design and analysis
- The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team environment
- Sound analytical skills and the ability to see the big picture and making connections and appropriate decisions
- Have tenacity, a can-do attitude, and the ability to think quickly and make accurate judgements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

- Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals (mechanics of materials, thermodynamics, material property characterization, design best practices, analysis methods, and manufacturing processes)
- Advanced skills with Python and MATLAB
- Familiarity with CFD – StarCCM, Ansys Fluent, COMSOL or equivalent
- Familiarity with engineering trade studies and material selection
- Experience with thermal testing, data acquisition, test hardware, and test planning
- Experience in one of the following domain areas:
- Composite structures
- Metallic structures
- Materials characterization and testing
- Transient thermal response modelling
- High temperature and insulative materials
- Hands-on experience with TPS material, technologies, and manufacturing
- Spacecraft or launch vehicles

NOTE: Along with a CV and Cover Letter, please attach a recent CAD portfolio with your application for review.

## 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](https://urldefense.us/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.pmddtc.state.gov_-3Fid-3Dddtc-5Fkb-5Farticle-5Fpage-26sys-5Fid-3D24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987&d=DwMFog&c=N_fLK0KxmM34zjMadXHMx_SQYmXWO3FX0MRVr1hBcn4&r=prjnch9sxomG2ahCicblmM3m-FuPObepspoR1qvWq2I&m=ExC44mBPk2emo4Fr0xPSGZN0UraQ1ZtkDTxwR7iWw5rixcFQb-Wjlv7lJcecLldz&s=0lfm4LyRtFwK220WHBK11DGHWSVvVhQEcfa5G_2Nf18&e=).

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 here [ITAR Regulations.](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/01/23/2020-00574/international-traffic-in-arms-regulations-us-munitions-list-categories-i-ii-and-iii)

## About Rocket Lab Corporation

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering reliable launch services, spacecraft, satellite components, and on-orbit management [rocketlabcorp.com](https://rocketlabcorp.com/about/about-us/).
- **Entity Type**: Public (NASDAQ: RKLB) – went public via SPAC merger in August 2021 [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Lab).
- **Headquarters**: Long Beach, California, USA (with additional facilities in New Zealand, Virginia, Maryland, Colorado, Canada, and elsewhere) [rocketlabcorp.com](https://rocketlabcorp.com/about/about-us/).
- **Founded**: 2006
- **Founders**: Peter Beck

## Core Business
- **Primary industries**: Aerospace, space launch services, satellite manufacturing, and space systems components.
- **Target customers**: Commercial satellite operators, civil space agencies (NASA, NOAA), defence customers (U.S. Space Force, NRO), and research institutions.
- **Mission**: "Unlocking the potential of space to improve life on Earth" [rocketlabcorp.com](https://rocketlabcorp.com/careers/).

## Products & Services
- **Electron**: Small orbital launch vehicle – the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket, with over 75 missions as of January 2026 [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Lab). Also used for the suborbital HASTE hypersonic testbed.
- **Neutron**: Reusable medium-lift launch vehicle in development, targeting constellation deployment, interplanetary missions, and human spaceflight [rocketlabcorp.com](https://rocketlabcorp.com/about/about-us/).
- **Photon**: Spacecraft platform for Earth orbit, lunar, and interplanetary missions (e.g., NASA CAPSTONE, ESCAPADE to Mars).
- **Satellite Components & Subsystems**: Star trackers, reaction wheels, solar panels, electric propulsion, software-defined radios, separation systems, advanced composite structures, and flight/ground software. Rocket Lab’s space systems technology has enabled more than 1,700 missions globally [rocketlabcorp.com](https://rocketlabcorp.com/about/about-us/).

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not provided in available sources (NASDAQ-traded; value fluctuates). The SPAC merger in 2021 was valued at approximately $4.1 billion, but current market cap should be verified via financial platforms.
- **Key Metric**: Over 2,600 employees globally as of May 2025 [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Lab); more than 700 in New Zealand alone.
- **Notable Investors / Partners**: Vector Acquisition Corporation (SPAC partner). Key customers include NASA, U.S. Space Force, NRO, NOAA, BlackSky, and OHB Group.
- **Growth Signals**: Development of Neutron; record launch cadence (9 missions in 2022); opening new manufacturing and test facilities (Middle River MD, Stennis MS, Warkworth NZ); successful lunar mission (CAPSTONE) and Mars mission award (ESCAPADE).

## Competitive Advantages
- **Vertical integration**: Rocket Lab designs and manufactures its own rockets, spacecraft, satellite components, and operates its own launch sites – reducing cost and lead time.
- **High launch frequency & reliability**: Electron is the most frequently launched small rocket globally, with rapid turnaround (as fast as 15 days).
- **Reusable rocket technology**: Neutron will bring reusability to the medium-lift class, further lowering per-mission costs.
- **Southern Hemisphere launch site**: Only private orbital launch site at Mahia, New Zealand, providing unique orbital inclinations.
- **Proven interplanetary capability**: First private company to reach the Moon with CAPSTONE and win a Mars mission (ESCAPADE).

## Strategic Focus
- Complete development, test, and first launch of the Neutron rocket from Launch Complex 3 at Wallops Island, Virginia.
- Expand spacecraft and component manufacturing to serve the growing defence, civil, and commercial satellite markets.
- Pursue interplanetary and human-spaceflight capabilities.
- Increase launch cadence and begin recovery and reuse of Electron first stages.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Driven, mission-focused environment with emphasis on “Trust, Innovation, and Excellence”. Values include “We are the best at what we do” and “Together we are unstoppable” [rocketlabcorp.com](https://rocketlabcorp.com/careers/).
- **Work & locations**: Multiple offices, factories, test, and launch sites across the U.S., New Zealand, and Canada. Hybrid/remote policy not explicitly stated; most roles appear on-site at specific facilities.
- **Projects**: Hands-on work with cutting-edge rockets, interplanetary spacecraft, advanced composites, and space software.
- **Perks & benefits**: Not detailed on the careers page, but the company offers a collaborative environment, career growth across many disciplines (engineering, tech, operations, finance, etc.), and the opportunity to contribute to high-impact space missions.
- **EEO & accommodations**: Rocket Lab provides reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities [rocketlabcorp.com](https://rocketlabcorp.com/careers/).

## Sources
1. [rocketlabcorp.com – About Us](https://rocketlabcorp.com/about/about-us/)
2. [rocketlabcorp.com – Careers](https://rocketlabcorp.com/careers/)
3. [en.wikipedia.org – Rocket Lab](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Lab)
4. [linkedin.com – Rocket Lab](https://www.linkedin.com/company/rocket-lab-corp)
5. [job-boards.greenhouse.io – Rocket Lab (careers portal)](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/rocketlab)

## Other roles at Rocket Lab Corporation

- [Senior Aerodynamics Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-aerodynamics-analyst-rocket-lab-corporation-auckland-86k7qt2wypx6) — Auckland, New Zealand
- [Thermofluids Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/thermofluids-analyst-rocket-lab-corporation-auckland-4xrh3y9g41by) — Auckland, New Zealand
- [Systems Engineer - Mechanical](https://feeny.ai/job/systems-engineer-mechanical-rocket-lab-corporation-auckland-nmra1kzhapbz) — Auckland, New Zealand
- [Senior Structural Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-structural-analyst-rocket-lab-corporation-auckland-2dec47z6k0te) — Auckland, New Zealand
- [Systems Engineer – Configuration & Change Management](https://feeny.ai/job/systems-engineer-configuration-change-management-rocket-lab-corporation-auckland-6qr41d2q1zmh) — Auckland, New Zealand
- [Senior Dynamics Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-dynamics-analyst-rocket-lab-corporation-auckland-czp8qr4nba13) — Auckland, New Zealand
- [Learning & Development Advisor](https://feeny.ai/job/learning-development-advisor-rocket-lab-corporation-auckland-4y07g4m7p4r1) — Auckland, New Zealand
- [Senior Tool & Die Maker   - A Shift](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-tool-die-maker-a-shift-rocket-lab-corporation-long-beach-myyknxvshyhr) — Long Beach, CA
- [Senior Quality Engineer I](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-quality-engineer-i-rocket-lab-corporation-albuquerque-028dqqc2vtfq) — Albuquerque, NM
- [Leading Hand - Inventory](https://feeny.ai/job/leading-hand-inventory-rocket-lab-corporation-auckland-0tbp51tn4yvm) — Auckland, New Zealand