Mechanical Engineer II​/Senior

Rocket 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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration and in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or vertically integrated components that help missions get to space, our world-class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

MECHANICAL ENGINEER II/SENIOR

As a Mechanical Engineer at Rocket Lab’s Silver Spring, Maryland location, you will lead development of innovative and complex electromechanical systems from project concepting through production implementation on aggressive timelines. This facility manufactures satellite separation mechanisms. Rocket Lab’s commitment to improving life on earth by going to space is built upon a foundation of hard-working and motivated individuals that collaborate, challenge, and have each other’s backs.

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Please note:

this position can be hired at the Mechanical Engineer II or Senior Mechanical Engineer I level.)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Lead schedule-aggressive development of innovative space mechanisms from concept through implementation as responsible engineer
• Design mechanisms and structures in CAD and analyze using hand calcs and FEA
• Drive requirements definition, traceability, compliance, verification, and system validation
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, such as system design descriptions, CONOPS and ICDs
• Create and maintain requirements verification matrices and risk management plans
• Support constant incremental improvements to the development team’s engineering approach and best practices
• Generate technical reports and presentations to communicate findings, progress, and recommendations to internal stakeholders and external partners
• Support environmental verification testing by assisting or leading test requirements, procedures and execution
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure proper functionality across system interfaces and for end users
• Own, or significantly contribute to, development schedules, project milestone reviews and technical interchange meetings
• Support business development proposals and custom SOWs
• Support travel or off-site work to suppliers, customers, and other Rocket Lab sites, approximately 10%.
• Mentor other engineers (as Senior I)

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER II

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field
• 2+ years experience in aerospace or similar mechanical development
• CAD and FEA proficiency
• Experience adapting to changing priorities and quickly resolving blockers
• Experience working complex projects across organizational teams

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER I

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field
• 5+ years experience in mechanical development projects, of which 2+ shall be aerospace
• CAD and FEA proficiency
• Thorough understanding of aerospace standards, environments, verification tests and requirements
• Experience adapting to changing priorities and quickly resolving blockers
• Experience managing complex projects across organizational teams

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• MS in relevant engineering field
• Proficiency in NX CAD and Simcenter FEA software
• Strong task management, communication and problem solving…