Mechanical Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 to 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. 

NEUTRON   

Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time. 

MECHANCIAL ENGINEER II - NEUTRON AVIONICS 

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Mechanical Engineer II, Neutron Avionics, is responsible for the development and implementation of mechanical designs and packaging solutions for the electronics that power Neutron. From cradle to grave, you will create the mechanical components that enable the avionics across the vehicle, including on the Archimedes engine, GNC sensing and computing, and the explosive flight safety system, to reliably operate in extreme launch vehicle environments across many re-flights. Working with fellow avionics designers, you will develop innovative solutions to integrate the avionics, optimizing for cost, mass, and production rate. You will be part of a small, agile, and effective US-based avionics team that works hands-on with the physical flight hardware on the production floor and at the launch site.   

The ideal candidate will be experienced in mechanical and structural design, electronics packaging, and environmental survivability. You will collaborate with a range of cross-functional teams, including local propulsion and fluids systems, electrical design, vehicle integration, and testing sites – both local, national, and global – for the upper-level assemblies. You will experience vehicle hardware transform from prototype to production, through various test sites, and ending at the launch site with the full Neutron coming together.   

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:    

• Development of mechanical components and electro-mechanical systems. Includes mechanical design, prototyping, production, test and integration. Execute multiple design iterations in efficient manner, while leveraging technical experience to clear short-term issues and long-term roadblocks. Own the hardware delivery timeline through inception, design, assembly, and test. 
• Support and execute hardware testing, including system-level performance validation, Archimedes hotfires, integrated vehicle stack tests, and explosive/destructive qualification. 
• Analysis of electro-mechanical and structural assemblies via classical and computer methods. Assess and optimize for downstream performance of physical events being driven and usage across the lifetime of the rocket. 
• Contribute to the future, reusable vehicle architectures. Optimize the designs, implementation, and operation to achieve hands-off reusability between flights. 
• Travel to vendors and test sites around the United States, approximately 10%. Sporadic travel to New Zealand sites.  

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:   

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or equivalent. 
• 2+ years of professional experience with mechanical or electro-mechanical design and analysis.  

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:    

• Professional experience with NX, Ansys, or similar tools.
• Experience designing things for stressing thermal and dynamic environments.
• Strong fundamentals in mechanical design, 3D modeling, finite element analysis (FEA), and manufacturing drawing creation (GD&T). 
• Professional experience working with avionics designers and exposure to electronics integration and packaging. 
• Experience with best practices for design, qualification, and production of avionics systems and electro-mechanical components for launch vehicles.  
• Experience with Python or similar software languages and integration.  
• Experience with an agile development environment.  
• Experience vibration and shock testing avionics, sensors, or similar components.
• Experience with HASS/HALT, HITL testing electronics and designing test support hardware.
• Experience with control systems for electro-mechanical components and systems.  

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.  Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: 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. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$100,000—$125,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.