Senior Mechanical Engineer I/II

About the role

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.

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 FE
• Lead requirements definition, traceability, compliance, verification, and system validation
• Create and maintain technical documentation, such as system design descriptions, CONOPS and ICDs
• Prepare 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%

Qualifications

• Senior Mechanical Engineer I: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field, 5+ years experience in aerospace mechanical development projects, CAD and FEA proficiency, thorough understanding of aerospace standards, environments, verification tests and requirements, experience managing complex projects across organizational teams
• Senior Mechanical Engineer II: Same as Senior Mechanical Engineer I qualifications plus 8+ years of experience in aerospace mechanical development projects, 3+ years as responsible engineer on mechanical development projects, CAD and FEA proficiency, thorough understanding of aerospace standards, environments, verification tests and requirements, experience managing complex projects across organizational teams

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