Ground Systems Engineer, Mechanical

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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
• 2+ 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…