Mechanical Engineer II

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.

SPACE SYSTEMSAt Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like 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, 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 the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER IIAs 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.

Join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

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 FEALead requirements definition, traceability, compliance, verification, and system validation

Prepare and maintain technical documentation, such as system design descriptions, CONOPS and ICDsCreate 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

Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure proper functionality across system interfaces and for end users

Own development schedules, project milestone reviews and technical interchange meetings

Mentor other engineers

Support business development proposals and custom SOWsSupport travel or off-site work to suppliers, customers, and other Rocket Lab sites, approximately 10%.YOU’LL BRING THESE

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field2+ years experience in aerospace mechanical development projects CAD and FEA proficiency

Thorough understandings of aerospace standards, environments, verification tests and requirements

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 skills

Experience adapting to changing priorities and quickly resolving blockers

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and…