Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I
About The Position
Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I for its space vehicle design team in Long Beach, California. The team supports the Space Systems division and leads programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. The engineer develops high-performance, lightweight satellite deployment systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations, works hands-on with flight hardware, and drives the technical development of Space Systems missions. The role spans component design from concept through production, testing, and operation. It includes supporting proposals and mission concepts, developing configurations for high-value science and interplanetary missions, performing calculations and finite element analysis, leading design and test reviews, maintaining product definitions and technical documentation, and managing schedules, vendors, budgets, and other project deliverables. 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. U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or another engineering discipline.
- At least 5 years of mechanical engineering experience.
- Experience with CAD modeling and drawing.
- U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s or PhD in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or another engineering discipline.
- Spacecraft or satellite design experience.
- Rapid conceptual design iteration experience.
- Exceptional mechanical mechanism problem-solving skills.
- Hands-on development and testing experience.
- Experience analyzing and interpreting test data, including thermal and vibration data.
- Ability to take a product from concept through production with little supervision.
- High self-motivation and ability to work autonomously.
- Ability to apply GD&T to component designs.
- Experience developing satellite deployment systems.
- General spacecraft systems engineering knowledge, including experience with requirements assessments and interface control document generation.
Responsibilities
- Support the Business Development team with proposals and mission concepts.
- Develop high-performance, lightweight satellite systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations for customers.
- Develop concepts and satellite configurations for high-value science and interplanetary missions.
- Define mechanisms for modern satellite systems and buses.
- Own component designs from conceptual design through production, testing, and operation.
- Perform hand calculations and finite element analysis to inform design decisions.
- Lead key component design, manufacturing, and test reviews.
- Create and maintain product definitions through CAD, production drawings, and test and operations procedures.
- Manage development schedules, vendors, budgets, and other project deliverables.
Benefits
- Company stock as part of total compensation.
- Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
- Medical plans, including HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with a company HSA contribution.
- Dental and vision coverage.
- Paid vacation and sick time.
- 11 paid holidays.
- Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
- Paid parental leave.
- Disability and life insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Subsidized EV charging.
- Onsite fitness centers where available.
- Discounted gym memberships.
- Complimentary snacks and beverages.
- 50% employee discount on the company merchandise store.
- Additional employee discounts.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
