Senior Ground Support Engineer I

Rocket Lab Corporation•Middle River, MD

7h•$108,800 - $136,000•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking a Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Engineer to support the Neutron Program in Middle River, Maryland. GSE Engineers design, analyze, procure, test, and operate equipment and tooling used for rocket production, transport, and test operations. The position may be filled at Level II or Senior level, depending on experience. The Senior Ground Support Engineer I will develop production tooling, GSE, and transport tooling; perform structural analysis; create drawings, schematics, and work instructions; coordinate equipment proof testing; and manage project schedules, fabrication, and commissioning. The role also provides technical guidance to internal machinists, fabricators, technicians, and procurement staff. The position may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Compensation includes base salary and equity, with level and base salary determined by job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. U.S. employment is subject to applicable export-control authorization requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, or a related engineering discipline, or 9+ years of experience in lieu of a degree.
5+ years of tooling design and analysis experience, or 9+ 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.
Ability to meet applicable U.S. export-control eligibility or authorization requirements for U.S. offices.

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

Concept 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 that communicate design specifications and assembly tasks to fabricators and technicians.
Coordinate and perform proof testing of equipment to ensure 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.