What is it like working in Rocket Lab’s NZ offices for R&D?
Hi everyone,
I’m curious about what it’s like working at Rocket Lab’s New Zealand offices, especially in R&D or engineering roles.
From the outside, it seems like a lot of the company’s growth and major programs are now connected to the US side, especially with Neutron and defense-related work. I’m wondering how much meaningful R&D is still done in New Zealand compared with the US offices.
For people who work there or have experience with Rocket Lab NZ:
How strong are the R&D/engineering opportunities in the NZ offices?
Are the NZ teams still involved in core design, development, testing, and problem-solving, or is most of that shifting to the US?
How is the technical culture and career growth there?
What do you think the future looks like for Rocket Lab’s NZ operations?
I’m especially interested in thermal, mechanical, fluids, propulsion-adjacent and simulation-related engineering work, but any insight would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.