Ground Support Engineer II
About The Position
Rocket Lab is seeking a Ground Support Engineer to support the Neutron Program in Middle River, Maryland. Ground Support Engineers design, analyze, procure, test, and operate Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and tooling used for rocket production, transport, and test operations. The position can be filled at Level II or Senior level, depending on experience. The Engineer will develop production and transport tooling and GSE, perform structural analysis, produce engineering documentation, and coordinate equipment proof testing. They will own project schedules, fabrication, and commissioning or implementation, while providing technical guidance to internal machinists, fabricators, technicians, and procurement staff. The position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. U.S.-based employees must meet applicable U.S. Government space technology export-control requirements.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, or a related engineering discipline, or 9 or more years of experience in lieu of a degree.
- At least 2 years of tooling design and analysis experience, or 9 or more years of experience in lieu of a degree.
- Technical project management or manufacturing design experience.
- Advanced understanding of mechanical design principles, including GD&T, efficient load paths, structural connections, and material properties.
- Experience designing large structures for critical operations, such as crane lifts, transport, vertical and horizontal structural alignment, and production tooling.
Nice To Haves
- Tooling manufacturing experience in aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, marine, or other large-scale fabrication industries.
- Advanced non-linear FEA, CFD, and heat transfer analysis methods.
- Proficiency reading electrical schematics and P&IDs.
- Experience with metrology using a measurement arm or laser tracker.
- Experience integrating hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical power systems, such as screws and hoists.
- Experience developing lift plans and specifying rigging for mobile and overhead cranes.
- Project management experience in a fast-paced prototype fabrication shop.
- Proficiency with Siemens NX or similar CAD/PLM software.
- Hands-on proficiency with hand tools and basic fabrication equipment.
Responsibilities
- Conceptualize and design production tooling, ground support equipment, and transport tooling based on input from manufacturing engineers and the production group.
- Perform structural analysis using hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA) to ensure designs meet margining requirements.
- Produce engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions communicating design specifications and assembly tasks to fabricators and technicians.
- Coordinate and perform proof testing to verify that equipment fabrication and assembly meet design requirements.
- Own project schedules, fabrication, and commissioning or implementation.
- Provide technical guidance to internal machinists, fabricators, technicians, and procurement staff to deliver projects on time.
Benefits
- Company stock as part of total compensation.
- Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
- Medical HMO, PPO, and a company-sponsored medical HSA plan option.
- Dental and vision coverage.
- Three weeks of paid vacation and five days of sick leave per year.
- Eleven paid holidays per year.
- Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts.
- Paid parental leave.
- Disability insurance.
- Life insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Free snacks and drinks onsite.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
