Senior Ground Systems Engineer - Structures & Mechanisms

Rocket Lab Corporation•Wallops Island, VA

5h•$100,000 - $137,000

About The Position

Rocket Lab is hiring a Senior Ground Systems Engineer focused on structures and mechanisms for the Neutron launch vehicle. The role is responsible for designing, building, testing, and commissioning large mechanisms, launch-pad structures, and transportation fixtures. The engineer will carry projects from conception through delivery, contribute to project planning, and work closely with technicians to deliver compliant projects on schedule. The position includes design and analysis of launch-site infrastructure and vehicle support equipment, development and maintenance of test equipment, and validation of launch-pad systems and vehicle interfaces. The engineer will collaborate with suppliers and internal test and operations teams, and support technicians during installation, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting, both remotely and in person. The role may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Rocket Lab offers competitive compensation, company stock, and a comprehensive benefits package. The position's stated total compensation range is $140,000–$164,000 USD, including base and equity; the base salary range is $100,000–$137,000 USD. Actual level and base salary depend on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Requirements

ABET-accredited bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
At least 5 years of directly applicable design, testing, and/or operations experience in the aerospace or industrial sectors.
Experience designing large structures and mechanisms.
Proficiency in CAD software such as NX or SolidWorks.

Nice To Haves

Experience with launch-pad systems or in oil and gas, process, mining, or a similar industry; 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.
Prior education, internship, or full-time work experience directly applicable to structural or mechanism design.
Proven communication skills and ability to build strong 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 analysis.
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.
Contribute to project planning and work with technicians to deliver projects on time and in compliance with specifications.