Rocket Lab

Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I

Rocket Lab$85K — $100K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
  • Mechanical engineering experience
  • Experience with CAD modeling and drawing
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance
  • U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

Responsibilities

  • Support the Business Development team with proposals and mission concepts
  • Develop high performance and lightweight satellite systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations
  • Develop concepts and satellite configurations for high value science and interplanetary missions
  • Define mechanisms on a modern satellite system/bus
  • Own component designs from conceptual design through production, test, and operation
  • Lead key component design, manufacturing, and test reviews
  • Manage development schedules, vendors, budgets, and other project deliverables

Benefits

  • Top tier medical HMO, PPO & 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 and life insurance
  • Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Discounted employee stock purchase program
  • Subsidized EV charging stations
  • Onsite gym, food, and drinks
Full Job Description
SPACECRAFT MECHANICAL ENGINEER I

We are currently seeking a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I to join our space vehicle design team based out of Long Beach, CA. This team supports our Space Systems division, and leads cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. Mechanical engineers are responsible for developing high performance and lightweight satellite deployment systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations for our customers. They also work hands-on with flight hardware, and drive the technical development of our Space Systems missions.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
  • 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
  • Perform hand-calcs and FEA to drive design decisions
  • Lead key component design, manufacturing, and test reviews
  • Create and maintain product definition through CAD, production drawings, and test and operations procedures
  • Manage development schedules, vendors, budgets, and other project deliverables

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
  • Mechanical engineering experience
  • Experience with CAD modeling and drawing
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance
  • U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
  • Master's or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
  • Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance
  • 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)
  • Ability 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
  • Ability to apply GD&T to component designs
  • Experience developing satellite deployment systems
  • General spacecraft systems engineering knowledge, and experience with requirements assessments and interface control document generation

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)

$85,000-$100,000 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

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