---
title: 'Ground Systems Engineer II - Mechanical - Team X at Rocket Lab Corporation'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/ground-systems-engineer-ii-mechanical-team-x-rocket-lab-corporation-auckland-3jet438c7hgg'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-16'
---

# Ground Systems Engineer II - Mechanical - Team X at Rocket Lab Corporation

- **Company:** Rocket Lab Corporation
- **Location:** Auckland, New Zealand
- **Posted:** 2026-08-04
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-16
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/rocketlab/jobs/7741264003

## 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.

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 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 GET TO 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

## YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

- 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

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

- 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](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

- [Team Lead - IT Support](https://feeny.ai/job/team-lead-it-support-rocket-lab-corporation-auckland-91n4t4pv40q3) — Auckland, New Zealand
- [HITL Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/hitl-software-engineer-rocket-lab-corporation-auckland-s1twp5gvn8k0) — Auckland, New Zealand
- [Quality Inspector II](https://feeny.ai/job/quality-inspector-ii-rocket-lab-corporation-long-beach-kq644pbtbybc) — Long Beach, CA
- [Precision Cleaning Technician II - B Shift](https://feeny.ai/job/precision-cleaning-technician-ii-b-shift-rocket-lab-corporation-long-beach-2n8yb62tqrr9) — Long Beach, CA
- [Systems Engineer II](https://feeny.ai/job/systems-engineer-ii-rocket-lab-corporation-long-beach-3n6n7dwe9v7e) — Long Beach, CA
- [Systems Engineer I](https://feeny.ai/job/systems-engineer-i-rocket-lab-corporation-long-beach-hrbnn41s7y6r) — Long Beach, CA
- [RF Phased Array Engineer II](https://feeny.ai/job/rf-phased-array-engineer-ii-rocket-lab-corporation-long-beach-0ejc70zvgjbm) — Long Beach, CA
- [RF Phased Array Engineer I](https://feeny.ai/job/rf-phased-array-engineer-i-rocket-lab-corporation-long-beach-48tbs4vfb9q9) — Long Beach, CA
- [Harness Design Engineer II](https://feeny.ai/job/harness-design-engineer-ii-rocket-lab-corporation-long-beach-eh0md8c7xt3a) — Long Beach, CA
- [Harness Design Engineer I](https://feeny.ai/job/harness-design-engineer-i-rocket-lab-corporation-long-beach-v2n419cy8xtm) — Long Beach, CA