Spacecraft Materials Engineer II/ Senior Spacecraft Materials Engineer I
About The Position
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. SPACE SYSTEMS At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions. SPACECRAFT MATERIALS ENGINEER II/ SENIOR SPACECRAFT MATERIALS ENGINEER I We are currently seeking a Spacecraft Materials Engineer II/ Senior Spacecraft Materials Engineer I to join our Space Vehicle Design team based out of Long Beach, CA. This team is a part of our Space Systems division, and leads cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. Materials Engineering has a vital role to play in developing high performance and lightweight space vehicle systems, mechanisms, and thermal configurations for our customers. They also work hands-on with flight hardware, own the technical development of new materials-based technology, and guide the technical solution (Please note: this position can be hired at the Spacecraft Materials Engineer II or Senior Spacecraft Materials Engineer I level.)
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in material science, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or another relevant engineering discipline
- 2+ years of professional experience in a materials engineering role
- Hands-on experience with materials testing, research-based work, and root cause investigations
- U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in material science, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or another relevant engineering discipline
- 5+ years of professional experience in a materials engineering role
- Hands- on experience with materials testing, research-based work, and root cause investigations
- Experience writing and maintaining process and or material specifications
- U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements
Nice To Haves
- Master’s Degree or PhD in materials engineering, polymer science, or a related field
- Deep understanding of testing methods for metals, polymers, coatings, etc. as it relates to fracture mechanics, fatigue analysis, and ability to generate design allowables
- Strong knowledge of space environments, testing, and qualifying materials for these environments
- Strong knowledge of thermal coatings, testing, performance, effects from the space environment
- Experience in contamination and control, in regards to spacecraft cleanliness
- Demonstrated track record of being able to succeed in a rapidly growing, fast-paced, and highly demanding environment
- Strong interpersonal skills, exceptional documentation and communication ability, and enthusiasm for working in an interdisciplinary role
- Comfortable with ambiguity while tackling the hottest problems with a high amount of autonomy
Responsibilities
- Develop and characterize new coatings to enable superior thermal management and mechanism design
- Provide robust materials solutions to be used on space vehicles through research, testing, and qualification - leading efforts using the materials testing facility
- Serve as the technical authority for materials and related processes and provide section guidance on materials, process specifications, fracture control, evaluate and select polymers, coatings, metallics, based on the space environment and material interactions/ degradation
- Develop and qualify new manufacturing processes relating to material development, coating applications, composites, and other material forming technologies
- Work hand in hand with design and manufacturing to troubleshoot and lead root cause investigations in a timely manner and drive design change
- Design and execute testing to characterize material properties to generate material allowables for inform spacecraft design and analysis
- Author and maintain material specifications and process specifications to ensure robust and repeatable manufacturing outcomes, including but not limited to cleaning specifications and various bonding specification
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, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
