Ground Systems Engineer II - Structures & Mechanisms

Rocket Lab Corporation•Wallops Island, VA

4h•$87,000 - $120,000

About The Position

Rocket Lab is hiring a Ground Systems Engineer II for its Neutron program. The engineer will design, build, test, and commission large mechanisms, launch pad structures, and transportation fixtures related to the Neutron launch vehicle. The role includes project planning and close coordination with technicians to deliver work on schedule and in compliance with specifications, carrying projects from conception through delivery. The position involves designing fixed launch-pad and test-site assets, launch-vehicle support equipment, and large mechanisms; modeling in CAD; system sizing and analysis; safety and hazard assessments; component selection and bill-of-materials maintenance; supplier and internal-team coordination; failure investigation; maintenance-program support; and development and execution of tests. The engineer will also support technicians during installation, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting, both remotely and in person, and collaborate with test and operations teams to ensure systems function as intended. This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. The role is associated with Rocket Lab’s Neutron launch-vehicle program. For U.S. office candidates, eligibility to meet applicable U.S. government space-technology export requirements is required or must be obtainable.

Requirements

ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
At least 2 years of directly applicable design, testing, and/or operations experience in the aerospace or industrial sectors.
Experience designing large structures and mechanisms.
Proficiency with CAD software such as NX or SolidWorks.

Nice To Haves

Experience with launch-pad systems or with oil and gas, process, mining, or similar industries; prior launch-system experience is not required.
Experience with structural design and analysis.
Experience with software-based analysis tools such as RISA, ANSYS, GFSSP, AFT, Thermal Desktop, or equivalent.
Experience designing fluid systems to ASME, ASTM, and/or NASA ground-system standards.
Ability to read, understand, and produce fabrication drawings.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven environment.
Applicable experience gained through education, internships, or full-time employment in structures or mechanisms design.
Strong communication skills and ability to build working relationships.

Responsibilities

Design launch-pad and test-site fixed assets, including test stands, launch mounts, and gantries.
Design launch-vehicle support equipment, including transportation fixtures, lifting apparatuses, and breakover fixtures.
Design large mechanisms, including umbilicals, hold-downs, and strongbacks.
Create 2D and 3D models using CAD software, specifically NX.
Perform system sizing and analysis using hand calculations and numerical methods.
Produce risk assessments, system hazard analyses, and FMEAs.
Select and develop components and maintain bills of materials.
Work with suppliers and internal teams.
Conduct failure investigations and root-cause analyses.
Support development of maintenance programs.
Collaborate with test and operations teams to ensure systems are fully functional.
Support pad technicians remotely and in person during installation, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting.
Develop and execute test plans to validate launch-pad system and vehicle-interface performance.
Design, develop, and maintain test equipment.
Support project planning and work with technicians to deliver projects on time and in accordance with specifications.