Sr. Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I/II
Rocket Lab USA - Long Beach, CA
posted 3 months ago
About the position
Rocket Lab is seeking a Sr. Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I/II to join our Space Systems team based in Long Beach, CA. This role is pivotal in developing high-performance and lightweight satellite deployment systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations tailored for our customers. The successful candidate will support the Space Systems organization by delivering essential materials for internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors. The position can be filled at either the Sr. Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I or II level, depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. In this role, you will collaborate closely with the Business Development team to assist in proposals and mission concepts. You will be responsible for developing innovative satellite systems and mechanisms, particularly for high-value science and interplanetary missions. Your expertise will guide the design of modern satellite systems and buses, overseeing component designs from conceptualization through production, testing, and operational phases. You will perform hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to inform design decisions, lead key component design reviews, and manage development schedules, vendors, budgets, and other project deliverables. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in mechanical engineering, with a focus on satellite systems. You will be expected to demonstrate exceptional problem-solving skills, particularly in mechanical mechanisms, and have hands-on experience in development and testing. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking space missions and work alongside a team of dedicated engineers, technicians, and designers committed to pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
Responsibilities
- 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
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
- 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience (for Sr. Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I)
- 8+ years of mechanical engineering experience (for Sr. Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II)
- Experience with CAD modeling and drawing
Nice-to-haves
- 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)
- Ability to take a product from concept through to production with little supervision
- Highly self-motivated and able to work autonomously
- 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
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
- Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Discounted employee stock purchase program
- Subsidized EV charging stations
- Onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts
