Senior Mechanical Engineer, Space Systems

Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,300 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented.

SPACE SYSTEMS

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in Rocket Lab’s evolution into an end-to-end space company that delivers launch, spacecraft, and on-orbit operations. The Space Systems Division is shaping Rocket Lab’s future with Photon, our brand of high-performance satellites, enabling innovative missions in low Earth orbit and beyond including missions for NASA to LEO, the Moon, and Mars and commercial customers including leading the design and manufacture of 17 high power telecommunication spacecraft buses for Globalstar.

Rocket Lab is also growing spacecraft components business, anchored on the acquisition of Sinclair Interplanetary manufacturing reaction wheels and star trackers in Toronto, SolAero Technologies manufacturing solar power and primary structure solutions in Albuquerque, Planetary Systems Corporation manufacturing launch separation systems in Silver Spring, and Advanced Solutions, Inc. provider flight and ground software as a service in Denver. Our component’s business is key to vertically integrating our spacecraft solutions and enabling constellations for customers.

SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER, SPACE SYSTEMS

The Senior Mechanical Engineer role will be responsible for developing high performance, lightweight satellite deployment systems, mechanisms and satellite bus configurations. This development will cover the conceptual design, prototyping, testing, optimization and initial production phases. A high level of experience in CAD, GD&T, mechanical systems, carbon composite manufacture and spaceflight testing/integration are required.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• 5 to 10 years’ of recent Space industry experience as a Senior mechanical engineer.
• Direct experience in designing, developing, and testing spacecraft mechanisms.
• Advanced knowledge/skills in CAD modeling/drawing (Siemens NX, TeamCenter).
• Rapid conceptual design iteration.
• Exceptional mechanical mechanism problem-solving skills.
• High level of hands on development and testing experience.
• Analysis and interpretation of test data (Thermal, Vibe).
• The ability to take a product from concept through to production with little supervision.
• Highly self motivated and managed.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Ability to apply GD&T to component designs.
• Experience developing satellite deployment systems.
• Experience in space system manufacturing and testing

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to US Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorization from the US Department of State.

Rocket Lab USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, employment with Rocket Lab USA is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status