Mechanical Engineer II, Neutron Avionics

Mechanical Engineer II, Neutron Avionics

Long Beach, CA

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 to 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, 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 headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Mechanical Engineer II, Neutron Avionics, is responsible for the development and implementation of mechanical designs and packaging solutions for the electronics that power Neutron. From cradle to grave, you will create the mechanical components that enable the avionics across the vehicle, including the Archimedes engine, GNC sensing and computing, and the explosive flight safety system, to reliably operate in extreme launch vehicle environments across many re‑flights.

Working with fellow avionics designers, you will develop innovative solutions to integrate the avionics, optimizing for cost, mass, and production rate. You will be part of a small, agile, and effective U.S.‑based avionics team that works hands‑on with the physical flight hardware on the production floor and at the launch site.

• Development of mechanical components and electro‑mechanical systems, including mechanical design, prototyping, production, test, and integration. Execute multiple design iterations efficiently while leveraging technical experience to clear short‑term issues and long‑term roadblocks. Own the hardware delivery timeline through inception, design, assembly, and test.
• Support and execute hardware testing, including system‑level performance validation, Archimedes hotfires, integrated vehicle stack tests, and explosive/destructive qualification.
• Analysis of electro‑mechanical and structural assemblies via classical and computer‑assisted methods. Assess and optimize for downstream performance of physical events being driven and usage across the lifetime of the rocket.
• Contribute to future, reusable vehicle architectures. Optimize the designs, implementation, and operation to achieve hands‑off reusability between flights.
• Travel to vendors and test sites around the United States, approximately 10%. Sporadic travel to New Zealand sites.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• 2+ years of professional experience with mechanical or electro‑mechanical design and analysis.

• Professional experience with NX, Ansys, or similar tools.
• Experience designing for thermal and dynamic stress environments.
• Strong fundamentals in mechanical design, 3D modeling, finite element analysis (FEA), and manufacturing drawing creation (GD&T).
• Professional experience working with avionics designers and exposure to electronics integration and packaging.
• Experience with best practices for design, qualification, and production of avionics systems and electro‑mechanical components for launch vehicles.
• Experience with Python or similar software languages and integration.
• Experien…