Senior Mechanical Engineer II​/Principal, Space Payloads - TS​/SCI Clearance

Senior Mechanical Engineer II/Principal, Space Payloads – TS/SCI Clearance

Posted 2 days ago – be among the first 25 applicants.

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 Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft to precision payloads and their components, including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. The team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives.

Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division solves mission‑critical space domain and ISR challenges for DoD and IC customers. In this role based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ, you will support multiple advanced space payload and IRAD programs. You will contribute to and guide technical programs across all phases and be an integral part of the design, development, build, and test of flight hardware.

• Produce complex 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 minimal direction.
• Communicate effectively with supervisor, project management, customers, and cross‑disciplinary team members.
• Significantly contribute to program and customer meetings and reviews.
• Attend technical interchange meetings and represent the organization in matters pertaining to project development.
• 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 a related technical discipline.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• 8+ years of mechanical design experience on space and/or optical programs.
• Strong computer skills and experience with CAD modeling and drawing.
• Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• 12+ years of mechanical design experience on space and/or optical programs.
• Strong computer skills and experience with CAD modeling and drawing.
• Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation.

• 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 of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing.
• Experience as an REA or familiarity with documentation process controls.
• Experience with mechanical design associated with optical and electro‑optical systems.
• Hands‑on expertise with optical systems, telescope systems, laser systems, and/or space systems.
• Experience designing optical mounts for demanding applications and environments.
• Experience performing and working in a dynamic and high‑visibility role.
• Ability to manage time and resources to meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and problem‑solving ability.
• Team player who incorporates a team‑based success philosophy.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Reg…