Senior Ground Systems Engineer , Mechanical

ABOUT ROCKET LABRocket 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.

NEUTRON is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program.

Based out of Rocket Lab's Test Facility at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, the Ground Systems Engineer II / Senior Ground Systems Engineer is responsible for Design, Build, and Maintenance of critical test facilities to support the Archimedes rocket engine and the Neutron launch vehicles. You’ll collaborate closely with Engine Propulsion and Test Operations teams to develop requirements for test stand design.

Your work will require technical discipline and expertise in mechanical design and build but will also require a strong understanding of instrumentation and test site operations. You will be responsible for maintaining and upgrading critical test facilities to meet the needs of the Archimedes engine test program. You may be asked to directly support Engine hardware and Engine test operations. You will become skilled in Ground Systems engineering and be expected to work independently in support of the overall test facility design, build, activation, and engine test efforts.

• Design, build, and integrate critical test systems to support all test objectives and requirements
• Work with a team of technicians and engineers to perform troubleshooting to resolve facility and test operations issues
• Develop maintenance protocols for new and existing facility infrastructure
• Collaborate with Archimedes engine and Neutron vehicle design teams to prepare and perform tests on key engine and stage hardware
• Work hand in hand with the test operators to complete design, build installation and checkout of facility systems
  
  This includes helping maintain cleanliness and integrity of systems, ensure component level verifications are performed, and ensuring internal standards are met

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering; or other technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience in rocket engine test stand or launch complex design and build
• Working knowledge in Siemens NX and Teamcenter
• Familiarity with ASME B31.1

• Experiencing with NASA GFSSP, Ansys Fluent, and CAESAR
• Experience with JIRA for work tracking and scheduling
• Broad general background in your engineering discipline with ability to design systems and develop computer tools for automation or analysis
• Experience designing or operating facilities for liquid oxygen and liquid methane
• Experience in weld design and inspection
• Background that demonstrates personal development which might include pilot training, scouting, sports teams especially any leadership roles in those activities
• Working knowledge of computer networks and IT infrastructure
• Demonstrated experience working with various disciplines, fabricators and suppliers to achieve on-time project execution
• Ability to remain unfazed by ambiguity or changes in strategic direction while maintaining a positive attitude and being self-actualized and self-guided
• This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and…