Configuration Management Engineer - Neutron

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a full-service space company that delivers launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and related solutions. Its work supports a wide range of missions, including scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate action, national security, and advanced technology demonstrations.

The company’s Electron rocket is now the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket each year and has placed more than 230 satellites into orbit. In parallel, Rocket Lab is developing Neutron, a reusable medium-lift launch vehicle designed for larger constellation deployments. Its Space Systems division also creates satellites, payloads, and components, including hardware used in NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and parts for the James Webb Space Telescope.

Neutron Program

The Neutron team is responsible for turning Rocket Lab’s new large rocket and its launch and test infrastructure into reality. The work spans design and testing of structures and components, engine development, and preparation of launch pads and test sites, offering the chance to help bring a new large rocket to flight for the first time.

About the Role

As a Configuration Management Engineer, you will provide cross-functional support so that Neutron’s product portfolio stays aligned with the program strategy, requirements, operating needs, and technical readiness stages. This role is based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and improve systems that help manufacturing and integration teams understand what must be produced and by when.
• Spot opportunities to strengthen project workflows and software tools so the team can track what has been built and verify that it was built correctly.
• Lead the engineering change management process by working with systems engineering, design, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and production teams to manage design updates effectively.
• Create, direct, and maintain engineering and manufacturing bills of materials to keep master data current and ensure release targets stay aligned for development testing and the flight manifest.
• Support planning and project coordination across the program for design changes and process improvement efforts.
• Prepare configuration status reports that demonstrate compliance with customer and regulatory expectations.
• Identify and resolve technical issues early so projects can keep moving quickly.
• Define and maintain strong engineering process standards.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• At least 2 years of industry experience in a relevant technical area such as structures, fluid systems, mechanisms, or propulsion.
• Experience delivering complex multidisciplinary systems and familiarity with adjacent launch vehicle areas such as avionics hardware, avionics software, GNC, or radio communications.
• History of working with cross-functional stakeholders to move projects from concept through completion.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with engineers and colleagues.
• Ability to perform under tight timelines in a demanding environment.
• Strong learning mindset and comfort with ambiguous technical problems.
• Working knowledge of engineering design, CAD tools, engineering drawings, and manufacturing methods; Teamcenter and NX are preferred.
• Good understanding of engineering change control and configuration management.
• Experience with PDM systems and other CAD file databases.

Nice to Have

• Project management experience.
• Working knowledge of SQL databases.
• ERP system experience.
• Experience using Power BI for data visualization.

Work Style and Culture

The team operates with urgency, resilience, and a strong bias toward execution. Expect a fast-moving environment where collaboration, accountability, and practical problem-solving matter. Team members support one another, stay focused on outcomes, and are comfortable handling difficult work under pressure.

Important Information

For candidates applying to U.S. offices, employment must comply with U.S. government export control rules, including ITAR. Eligibility may require U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, refugee or asylum status, or the ability to obtain the required authorizations.

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on protected characteristics under applicable laws. This applies to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and all other employment decisions.

For U.S. applicants needing an accommodation during the application or interview process, a dedicated contact is provided for disability-related support only.

For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices, background checks will be completed before any offer is made. These checks include nationality verification because access to equipment and data controlled by ITAR is required. Under these rules, you may not be eligible if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO country, or if you have ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.