Rocket Lab

Senior Mechanical Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab$100K — $160K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field
  • 5+ years experience in aerospace mechanical development projects for Senior Engineer I; 8+ years and 3+ years as responsible engineer for Senior Engineer II
  • CAD and FEA proficiency
  • Thorough understanding of aerospace standards and verification tests
  • Experience managing complex projects across organizational teams

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of innovative space mechanisms from concept through implementation
  • Design mechanisms and structures using CAD and analyze them with hand calculations and FEA
  • Define and manage requirements traceability and compliance
  • Prepare and maintain technical documentation including design descriptions and CONOPS
  • Create verification matrices and risk management plans
  • Support continuous improvement efforts in the engineering approach
  • Generate reports and presentations to communicate technical findings

Benefits

  • Top tier medical HMO, PPO & 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option
  • Dental and vision coverage
  • Three weeks paid vacation and five sick days per year
  • Eleven paid holidays per year
  • Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts
  • Paid parental leave
  • Disability insurance and life insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Onsite gym and food/drink options
  • Discounted employee stock purchase program and subsidized EV charging stations
Full Job Description
SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER SENIOR I/II

As a Mechanical Engineer at Rocket Lab's Silver Spring, Maryland location, you will lead development of innovative and complex electromechanical systems from project concepting through production implementation on aggressive timelines. This facility manufactures satellite separation mechanisms. Rocket Lab's commitment to improving life on earth by going to space is built upon a foundation of hard-working and motivated individuals that collaborate, challenge, and have each other's backs. Join a driven team that's tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Mechanical Engineer I or Senior Mechanical Engineer II level.)

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
  • 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 FEA
  • Lead requirements definition, traceability, compliance, verification, and system validation
  • Prepare and maintain technical documentation, such as system design descriptions, CONOPS and ICDs
  • Create 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%.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A 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 understandings of aerospace standards, environments, verification tests and requirements
  • Experience managing complex projects across organizational teams

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER II:
  • SENIOR ENGINEER I qualifications plus
  • 8+ years of experience in aerospace mechanical development projects
    • 3+ years as responsible engineer on mechanical development projects
  • Experience mentoring other engineers
  • CAD and FEA proficiency
  • Thorough understandings of aerospace standards, environments, verification tests and requirements
  • Experience managing complex projects across organizational team

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
  • MS in relevant engineering field
  • Proficiency in NX CAD and Simcenter FEA software
  • Strong task management, communication and problem solving skills
  • Experience adapting to changing priorities and quickly resolving blockers

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-$160,000 USD

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a private American aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider. The company was founded in 2006 by New Zealander Peter Beck. Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is designed to launch small payloads of up to 300 kg into low Earth orbit. The company has launched several successful missions and has contracts with NASA and other organizations. Rocket Lab has raised over $200 million in funding and has offices in the United States and New Zealand.
Learn more about Rocket Lab
Size
500 employees
Market Cap
$1.6 billion
Industry
Founded
2006
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Rocket Lab

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Senior Mechanical Engineer I/II jobs: