[Skip to main content](#main-content) [OpenNash Jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/) [Hiring report](/reports/hiring/) · [All Rocket Lab jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/rocket-lab/) · [Search jobs](/search/) Rocket Lab · Auckland Production Complex # Team Lead - Unpressurised Composite Structures Auckland Production Complex Manager or lead Skilled Trades & Maintenance Listed on Rocket Lab’s official careers site. Posted September 30, 2026. Check that it is still open and apply there. [Apply on Rocket Lab’s careers site →](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/rocketlab/jobs/7989485003) [OpenNash Jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/) / [Rocket Lab](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/rocket-lab/) / Team Lead - Unpressurised Composite Structures ## 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. While other companies talk about it, we do it! 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. TEAM LEAD UNPRESSURIZED COMPOSITE STRUCTURES Neutron’s Mechanical workstream delivers across a broad set of vehicle domains including structural (i.e. Propellant tanks, interstage, fairings), mechanical (i.e. stage separation, landing, aerodynamic control), fluid (i.e. pressurant, propellant management, ignition, HVAC), and thermal (i.e. thermal protection) systems. As a Mechanical Lead you will manage a talented group of mechanical development engineers, and be responsible for the delivery of key mechanical systems for the vehicle: owning your designs from concept to completion & launch. Successful candidates in this role will thrive in ambiguity, and are excited to work in a small, high performing team focused on continued learning and growth. This position is ideal for an experienced engineer keen to lead projects from conceptual design through to integration and launch. ### WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO Lead the overall delivery of Neutron mechanical system(s) across their lifecycle: including conceptual & critical design, development test, qualification, integration, and operational support Ensure successful delivery of key engineering projects through effective project management: including setup, monitoring, and control of schedule, budget, resource, & technical risk Actively collaborate between departments (i.e. supply chain, quality, production) & teams (i.e. Fluids, Avionics, Propulsion) to ensure Program activities are appropriately prioritized - Manage, mentor, and support direct reports to be motivated, effective, and efficient in their roles - Coordinate activities between design, test and analysis engineers to develop & mature concepts, and manufacturing engineers to identify suitable materials, and define pragmatic build processes Proactively identify and solve technical challenges to allow projects to proceed at pace YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: A degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar field 5+ years’ experience within a high-performance industry environment (Aerospace, aviation, automotive, marine or equivalent) - Proven track record of leading a team to deliver complete and successful engineering projects from conception to operation The ability to work to deadlines within a high-pressure environment - Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues Experience working on one or more of the areas below to solve industry related problems applicable to mechanical systems: Composite materials Moving Mechanical Assemblies Pressure Vessels Aerodynamic - Control systems Fluid Systems Thermal Protection systems THESE ### QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Experience with CAD software such as NX (preferred), Solidworks, CATIA, or similar Experience using Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter (preferred), Windchill, or similar If the above sounds like you apply now! 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 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. ## At a glance - Posted by the employer: Sep 30, 2026 - First seen by OpenNash: Oct 11, 2026 - Last checked: Oct 18, 2026 - Listed for: 18 days - Location: Auckland Production Complex[Apply on Rocket Lab’s careers site →](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/rocketlab/jobs/7989485003) ## More jobs at Rocket Lab ### [Neutron Mechanical Development Intern](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/rocket-lab/jobs/8a6ee3a188524fd8219b/) Auckland Production Complex ### [Reaction Wheel Assembly Technician](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/rocket-lab/jobs/f6b71848060a6c013ed4/) Auckland Production Complex ### [Systems Engineer - Mechanical](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/rocket-lab/jobs/40cd55c268861ace7af7/) Auckland Production Complex ### [Technician - Materials Development and Testing (Neutron)](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/rocket-lab/jobs/974e5e2811993b9d0830/) Auckland Production Complex ### [Aerodynamics Analyst - Neutron](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/rocket-lab/jobs/613c90332209a0d2b27c/) Auckland Production Complex ## Similar jobs at other companies ### [Structural Design Engineer Composite /Hybrid Structures](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/airbus/jobs/22c69a457b3ce740b0d3/) AIRBUS · Getafe Area ### [Workshop structures/composite](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/ryanair-holdings/jobs/3392ea4b7b23a4f113ca/) Ryanair Holdings · Seville Airport, ES ### [Composite, Assembly & Integration Technician](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/lockheed-martin/jobs/302f97c405aa3e6dba63/) Lockheed Martin · Ampthill, GBR ### [STAGE 2027 - Ingénieur Matériaux & Procédés Composite (h/f)](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/airbus/jobs/d9b27e51ddd1149afc2b/) AIRBUS · Paris Area ### [Senior Composite, Assembly & Integration Technician](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/lockheed-martin/jobs/0fe94bf2a7362da6eb92/) Lockheed Martin · Ampthill, GBR [Skilled Trades & Maintenance jobs](/functions/skilled-trades-maintenance/) OpenNash lists jobs from employers’ own careers sites and does not handle applications. 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