Mechanical Engineer I​/II - Space Payloads

Mechanical Engineer I/II – Space Payloads

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.

As a Mechanical Engineer I/II based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ, you will support multiple advanced space payload and IRAD programs. In this role you will contribute to technical programs across all phases, and be an integral part of the design, development, build, and test of flight hardware. To be successful you must bring curiosity, collaboration, and keen attention to detail.

• Produce mechanical concepts and designs for a wide variety of hardware and projects
• Work with machine shops and vendors to complete fabrication of designs
• See designs through to successful integration and test
• Use investigative and troubleshooting skills to assess issues and develop resolutions in the lab
• Work proactively to complete tasks with guidance as needed
• Communicate effectively with direct supervisor, project management, customers, and team members across disciplines
• Contribute to program and customer meetings and reviews
• Attend technical interchange meetings with team members and other project personnel, and represent the organization in matters pertaining to the development of the project(s)
• Provide status on assigned tasks and program schedules
• Provide document review and resolve technical engineering and integration issues
• Support travel as required, including working off‑site

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• Mechanical design experience
• Strong computer skills and experience with CAD modeling and drawing
• Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• 2+ years of mechanical design experience
• Strong computer skills and experience with CAD modeling and drawing
• Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance

• Experience with FEA/FEM
• Experience with mechanism design
• Experience with materials engineering and processes
• Experience with environmental testing
• Experience with Solid Works or NX
• Experience in implementation and understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing
• Experience with documentation process controls
• Experience with mechanical design associated with optical and electro‑optical systems
• Hands‑on experience with optical systems, telescope systems, laser systems, and/or space systems
• Experience designing optical mounts for use in various demanding applications and environments
• Experience performing and working in a dynamic role
• Ability to manage time and resources in order to meet assigned deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to problem solve
• Team player who incorporates a team‑based success philosophy and seeks mentorship

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise

For candidates seeking to work in US offices only:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of…