Senior Mechanical Engineer for Spacecraft Systems

2 weeks ago

Long Beach, California, United States Rocket Lab Full time

ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab stands at the forefront of the launch and space systems industry.

The rockets and satellites we design and deploy facilitate some of the most ambitious and essential space missions worldwide, aiding scientific research, Earth monitoring, and initiatives to address climate change, national security, and innovative technology demonstrations.

Since 2018, our Electron rocket has provided dependable access to orbit, establishing itself as one of the most frequently launched rockets globally.

Our upcoming Neutron rocket will be a cutting-edge 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket designed to support the mega constellations of the future.

Our space systems division encompasses a comprehensive range of satellites and components that have contributed to over 1,700 missions, including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and many more.

Join our innovative team and elevate your career to new heights.

SPACE SYSTEMS
Rocket Lab's Space Systems division is accountable for every satellite and satellite component produced by

Rocket Lab:

from fully integrated satellites intended for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that constitute a satellite, such as solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels, star trackers, separation systems, radios, and beyond.

Our Space Systems team comprises engineers, technicians, and designers who conceptualize, develop, and assemble our own satellites for missions across commercial, governmental, and defense sectors, or who construct and integrate satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER FOR SPACECRAFT SYSTEMS - TS/SCI CLEARANCE REQUIRED
Located at Rocket Lab's headquarters, the Senior

Mechanical Engineer for Spacecraft Systems is tasked with creating high-performance and lightweight satellite deployment systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations tailored for our clientele.

You will collaborate with the Space Systems organization, delivering essential information for internal leadership, board members, and stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist the Business Development team with proposals and mission concepts
  • Design high-performance and lightweight satellite systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations for our clients
  • Develop concepts and satellite configurations for high-value scientific and interplanetary missions
  • Define the appearance of mechanisms on contemporary satellite systems/buses
  • Manage component designs from initial concept through production, testing, and operational phases
  • Conduct hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to inform design choices
  • Lead critical component design, manufacturing, and testing reviews
  • Create and maintain product definitions through CAD, production drawings, and operational procedures
  • Oversee development timelines, vendor relationships, budgets, and other project deliverables

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, or a related engineering discipline
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering
  • Proficiency in CAD modeling and drawing

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Master's or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering, or a related engineering discipline
  • Experience in spacecraft/satellite design
  • Rapid conceptual design iteration experience
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills related to mechanical mechanisms
  • Hands-on experience in development and testing
  • Familiarity with analysis and interpretation of test data (Thermal, Vibe)
  • Ability to guide a product from concept to production with minimal supervision
  • Highly self-motivated and capable of working independently
  • Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering
  • Ability to apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to component designs
  • Experience in developing satellite deployment systems
  • General knowledge of spacecraft systems engineering, including requirements assessments and interface control document generation

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Specific vision abilities required for this role 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 facilities
  • Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate noise levels.

Compensation and salary will be determined on an individual basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one aspect of our comprehensive rewards package at Rocket Lab.

Employees may also receive company equity and access to an extensive benefits package including:
top-tier medical HMO, PPO & a fully company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, three weeks of paid vacation and five days of sick leave annually, eleven paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.

Additional Perks:

Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized electric vehicle charging stations, onsite gym, complimentary food and beverages, childcare concierge, and various discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status; please consult with your recruiter for a detailed list of benefits available for this position.

Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We are on a mission to unlock the potential of space to enhance life on Earth, but this is no simple endeavor.

It requires hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often consider impossible.

Our team excels by outthinking, outworking, and outpacing the competition.

We take pride in supporting one another, setting aside our egos, and tackling all tasks, big and small.

We thrive under pressure, adhere to tight deadlines, and our focus remains on how we can deliver results, rather than fixating on the obstacles that may arise.


Important Information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN U.S. OFFICES ONLY:
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful U.S. permanent residents (i.e., current Green Card holders), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as refugees or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact the designated resource intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
For security reasons, background checks will be conducted prior to any employment offers being extended to an applicant.

These checks will include nationality assessments as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO member country, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.

For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

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