Mechanical Engineer

Role overview

Dawn Aerospace is hiring a practical, self-driven mechanical engineer to help create and test high-performance propulsion hardware, with a strong focus on critical fluid-handling parts. This position suits someone who has worked with race cars, hydraulic equipment, industrial machinery, refrigerants, pneumatics, heavy-duty equipment, or advanced manufacturing, and who enjoys solving real-world problems with hands-on engineering.

The company builds propulsion systems used by satellites in space today and tomorrow. It has already deployed its nitrous oxide and propene-based systems on more than 40 satellites in orbit, with many more units ahead.

You do not need prior aerospace experience. The emphasis is on solid engineering fundamentals, practical mechanical judgement, ownership, and the ability to deliver in a fast-moving environment.

What you will do

• Design and develop mechanical parts and assemblies for high-pressure thermo-fluid systems.
• Work on valves, regulators, tanks, tubing layouts, structural elements, and test hardware.
• Assemble, troubleshoot, refine, and improve prototype equipment.
• Create and run mechanical and fluid-system tests.
• Investigate failures, trace root causes, and put workable fixes in place.
• Support manufacturing and supplier coordination so components are robust and suitable for scale-up.
• Work closely with design, test, manufacturing, systems, and customer teams across the world.
• Help drive fast iteration and ongoing product enhancement.

Backgrounds that fit well

The team is especially interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Automotive engineering
• Motorsport or racing systems
• Hydraulics or pneumatics
• Industrial fluid systems
• Aerospace
• Advanced manufacturing
• Test and development engineering
• Heavy machinery or performance equipment

What the company is looking for

• A mechanical engineering degree, or equivalent hands-on industry experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• A practical, workshop-friendly engineering approach.
• CAD capability, preferably SolidWorks or similar tools.
• Knowledge of pressure systems, valves, fittings, tubing, pumps, regulators, or fluid-control systems.
• The ability to work independently and act quickly.
• Comfort in workshop and test environments.
• A positive attitude, initiative, and a willingness to learn.

Nice-to-have experience

• High-pressure systems.
• Refrigerants.
• Vacuum systems.
• Test engineering or reliability engineering.
• Data acquisition and instrumentation.
• FEA, CFD, or other simulation software.
• Programming or coding.
• Precision machining or manufacturing methods.
• Fast-paced R&D work across full product lifecycles.

Why join Dawn Aerospace

• Work on real hardware that is already operating in space.
• Join a small team with high ownership and quick decision-making.
• Gain exposure to design, testing, manufacturing, and development work.
• Be part of advanced satellite technology without needing prior aerospace experience.
• Work for one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing high-tech companies.

Diversity and inclusion

Dawn Aerospace is committed to building diverse teams and an inclusive workplace. People from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences are encouraged and supported to do their best work.

About Dawn Aerospace

Dawn Aerospace is a space transportation company focused on enabling the next generation of space users through more sustainable and scalable ways to access and move in space. The company sees transportation infrastructure as a way to expand what is possible beyond Earth.

Its work is centered on three areas:

• In-space propulsion: turnkey green propulsion systems for satellites, using safe and accessible propellants. The company has more than 170 propulsion units on over 40 operational satellites, with another 200 units currently in production.
• In-space servicing: building on propulsion expertise to make customer satellites refuellable and support future refuelling services that extend satellite life while supporting a cleaner and safer space environment.
• Spaceplane: developing a runway-launched aircraft that combines rocket-level performance with airplane reusability to enable frequent, lower-cost access to sub-orbital space.

The company’s international teams operate across the Netherlands, France, New Zealand, and the USA.

Additional information

If you believe you have the right experience and mindset, you are encouraged to apply even if you do not meet every requirement.

Terms and conditions

Recruitment agencies are asked not to send unsolicited resumes. The company does not accept agency submissions and will not be liable for any related fees.