Senior Design Engineer I

Rocket Lab • Tucson, AZ

1d

About The Position

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. Its Space Systems division develops complete spacecraft, precision payloads, and components and subsystems for space missions. Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers sensing solutions for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers across space, terrestrial, and airborne environments.

As a Senior Design Engineer I with Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, Arizona, you will support Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture by producing three-dimensional computer-aided designs. You will develop mechanical designs and drawings for hardware and assemblies, collaborate with engineering and AI&T teams on designs and assembly processes, and support programs from inception through integration and test. The role also supports drawing and documentation workflows, revision control, and fabrication coordination with machine shops and vendors. Some tasks require on-site work or travel as needed.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience and a bachelor's degree, or at least 9 years of experience in lieu of a bachelor's degree.
• Mechanical design experience associated with assembly and testing of optical systems.
• Experience with SolidWorks, NX, or CREO.
• Proficiency in using common PDM data management tools and administration.
• Familiarity with industry practices and standards for drafting, design modeling, and revision control.
• Proficiency with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in Computer Aided Design, Engineering Technology, IT, or another applicable field, or equivalent proficiency gained through practical experience.
• Expertise implementing geometric dimensioning and tolerancing standards, FAIR inspections and tooling methods, and DFM ownership.
• Hands-on experience with optical systems, telescope systems, laser systems, and/or space systems.
• Experience as a Responsible Engineering Authority (REA) or familiarity with documentation process controls.
• Ability to support travel as required, including working off-site.

Responsibilities

• Produce mechanical designs and drawings for a wide variety of hardware and assemblies.
• Work with engineering and AI&T teams to develop designs and assembly processes.
• Support program efforts from inception through successful integration and test.
• Serve as an adjunct PDM administrator to support drawing workflows for review and release of drawings and other project documentation.
• Ensure technical documentation control processes are followed and implement revision control on CAD models and drawings.
• Identify and correct design, model, and drawing errors and deficiencies, and recommend corrective actions.
• Work with machine shops and vendors to complete fabrication of designs.
• Proactively complete tasks with some modest direction.
• Communicate effectively with project management and team members across disciplines.
• Provide status updates on assigned tasks and program schedules.
• Support on-site work, travel, or off-site work as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior