Senior Mechanical Engineer II/Principal, Space Payloads - Top Secret Clearance

Rocket Lab Corporation•Tucson, AZ

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer II/Principal Mechanical Engineer based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ, you will have the opportunity to support multiple advanced space payload and IRAD programs. In this role you will contribute to and guide technical programs across all phases, and be an integral part of the design, development, build, and test of flight hardware. To be successful in this role, you must be comfortable driving mission critical solutions for prototype and production flight hardware, and bring adaptability, a passion for collaboration, and keen attention to detail. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space! (Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Mechanical Engineer II or Principal Mechanical Engineer level)

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
Active DoD Top Secret clearance
8+ years of mechanical design experience on space and/or optical programs
Strong computer skills and experience with CAD modeling and drawing
Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
Active DoD Top Secret clearance
12+ years of mechanical design experience on space and/or optical programs
Strong computer skills and experience with CAD modeling and drawing
Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation

Nice To Haves

Experience with FEA/FEM
Experience with mechanism design
Experience with materials engineering and processes
Experience with environmental testing
Experience with SolidWorks or NX
Experience in implementation and understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing
Experience as an REA (Responsible Engineering Authority) or familiarity with documentation process controls
Experience with mechanical design associated with optical and electro-optical systems
Hands-on expertise with optical systems, telescope systems, laser systems, and/or space systems
Experience designing optical mounts for use in various demanding applications and environments
Experience performing and working in a dynamic and high-visibility role
Ability to manage time and resources in order to meet assigned deadlines
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to problem solve
Team player who incorporates a team-based success philosophy

Responsibilities

Produce complex mechanical concepts and designs for a wide variety of hardware and projects
Work with machine shops and vendors to complete fabrication of designs
See designs through to successful integration and test
Use investigative and trouble-shooting skills to assess issues and develop resolutions in the lab
Work proactively to complete tasks with rare direction
Communicate effectively with direct supervisor, project management, customers, and team members across disciplines
Significantly contribute to program and customer meetings and reviews
Attend technical interchange meetings with team members and other project personnel, and represent the organization in matters pertaining to the development of the project(s)
Provide status on assigned tasks and program schedules
Provide document review and resolve technical engineering and integration issues
Support travel as required, including working off-site