Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II - TS/SCI

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.

SPACECRAFT MECHANICAL ENGINEER II - TS/SCI

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II - TS/SCI is responsible for developing high performance and lightweight satellite deployment systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations for our customers. You will support the Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

• Support the Business Development team with proposals and mission concepts
• Develop high performance and lightweight satellite systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations for our customers
• Develop concepts and satellite configurations for high value science and interplanetary missions
• Define what mechanisms look like on a modern satellite system/bus
• Own component designs from conceptual design through production, test, and operation
• Create and maintain product definition through CAD, production drawings, and test and operations procedures
• Manage development schedules, vendors, budgets, and other project deliverables

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
• 2+ years of mechanical engineering experience
• Experience with CAD modeling and drawing
• Active TS/SCI Clearance
• U.S citizenship required, due to program requirements

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
• Spacecraft/satellite design experience
• Rapid conceptual design iteration experience
• Exceptional mechanical mechanism problem-solving skills
• Hands-on development and testing experience
• Experience with analysis and interpretation of test data (Thermal, Vibe)
• Able to take a product from concept through to production with little supervision
• Highly self-motivated and able to work autonomously
• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering
• Experience developing satellite deployment systems
• General spacecraft systems engineering knowledge, and experience with requirements assessments and interface control document generation

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.