Mechatronics Engineer II/Senior

Rocket Lab Corporation•Silver Spring, MD

13h•$93,000 - $135,000•Onsite

About The Position

ABOUT ROCKET LAB 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 Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. SPACE SYSTEMS At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions. MECHATRONICS ENGINEER II/SENIOR As a Mechatronics Engineer at Rocket Lab’s Silver Spring, Maryland location, you will develop innovative electromechanical systems for product development, test and analysis. This facility manufactures satellite mechanisms; their products include separation systems, on-orbit devices, and other electromechanical deployables. Rocket Lab’s commitment to improving life on earth by going to space is built upon a foundation of hard-working and motivated individuals that collaborate, challenge and have each other’s backs. (PLEASE NOTE: THIS ROLE CAN BE HIRED AT THE MECHATRONICS ENGINEER II OR SENIOR MECHATRONICS ENGINEER I LEVEL.)

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in an engineering field
2+ years of experience designing and implementing electromechanical systems
Experience in software design
Experience with electrical circuit and PCB design
Experience with data acquisition design, signal processing, and data processing
Experience implementing feedback control systems

Nice To Haves

MS or 8+ years’ experience in relevant field
Brushed and brushless motor control experience
Experience in the aerospace industry and the typical analysis and test requirements
Experience implementing AI to accelerate development and data processing
Proficiency in LabVIEW

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and test electromechanical space systems and test equipment
Improve and automate test processes
Design and implement systems for the evaluation of mechanism functionality
Collaborate on multi-disciplinary teams to ensure all functionality and requirements are met
Create detailed documentation to communicate the functionality, operation, and performance of products and tools
Manage and/or support the project lifecycle process, to ensure timely delivery
Identify and implement quality and process-related initiatives and improvements
Analyze electromechanical systems via classical and computer methods
Identify, test, and integrate instruments like IMUs, encoders, dynamometers, load cells, brushless motors
Design and implement data-acquisition systems
Design and improve software systems
Analyze data sets for trends and anomalies
Travel occasionally to collaborate with other Rocket Lab teams