Senior Mechanical Engineer I/II
About The Position
As a Mechanical Engineer supporting Rocket Lab’s Silver Spring, Maryland site, you will lead the development of innovative and complex electromechanical systems from early concept through production implementation on aggressive timelines. This facility manufactures satellite separation mechanisms, and the selected candidate will have the flexibility to sit remote from Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach while collaborating closely with the Silver Spring team. In this role, you will drive technical execution, partner cross‑functionally, and contribute to hardware that directly supports Rocket Lab’s mission of improving life on Earth by going to space. To be successful, you must be detail‑oriented, collaborative, and motivated to tackle complex challenges with a team that has each other’s backs. Join a driven group delivering on exciting missions and making an impact on the future of space. (Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Mechanical Engineer I or Senior Mechanical Engineer II level.)
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field
- 5+ years experience in aerospace mechanical development projects
- CAD and FEA proficiency
- Thorough understandings of aerospace standards, environments, verification tests and requirements
- Experience managing complex projects across organizational teams
- 8+ years of experience in aerospace mechanical development projects
- 3+ years as responsible engineer on mechanical development projects
- Experience mentoring other engineers
Nice To Haves
- MS in relevant engineering field
- Proficiency in NX CAD and Simcenter FEA software
- Strong task management, communication and problem solving skills
- Experience adapting to changing priorities and quickly resolving blockers
Responsibilities
- Lead schedule-aggressive development of innovative space mechanisms from concept through implementation as responsible engineer
- Design mechanisms and structures in CAD and analyze using hand calcs and FEA
- Lead requirements definition, traceability, compliance, verification, and system validation
- Prepare and maintain technical documentation, such as system design descriptions, CONOPS and ICDs
- Create and maintain requirements verification matrices and risk management plans
- Support constant incremental improvements to the development team’s engineering approach and best practices
- Generate technical reports and presentations to communicate findings, progress, and recommendations to internal stakeholders and external partners
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure proper functionality across system interfaces and for end users
- Own development schedules, project milestone reviews and technical interchange meetings
- Mentor other engineers
- Support business development proposals and custom SOWs
- Support travel or off-site work to suppliers, customers, and other Rocket Lab sites, approximately 10%
Benefits
- top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option
- dental and vision coverage
- 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year
- 11 paid holidays per year
- flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts
- paid parental leave
- disability insurance
- life insurance
- access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Discounted employee stock purchase program
- subsidized EV charging stations
- onsite gym
- food and drinks
- other discounts
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
