Sr. Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I
Rocket Lab USA - Long Beach, CA
posted 3 months ago
About the position
As a Sr. Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I at Rocket Lab, you will play a pivotal role in the development of high-performance and lightweight satellite deployment systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations tailored for our diverse clientele. Based in our Long Beach, CA headquarters, you will be an integral part of the Space Systems organization, contributing to deliverables that are essential for internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors. Your work will directly support the Business Development team in crafting proposals and conceptualizing missions that push the boundaries of space exploration. In this position, you will be responsible for developing innovative satellite systems and mechanisms that are not only efficient but also capable of supporting high-value scientific and interplanetary missions. You will define the design and functionality of modern satellite systems and buses, taking ownership of component designs from the initial conceptual phase through to production, testing, and operational deployment. Your expertise will be crucial in performing hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA) to inform design decisions, leading key design reviews, and managing the development schedules, vendors, budgets, and other project deliverables. This role requires a blend of technical acumen and project management skills, as you will be expected to create and maintain comprehensive product definitions through CAD, production drawings, and operational procedures. Your contributions will not only enhance Rocket Lab's capabilities but also ensure that we remain at the forefront of the aerospace industry, delivering cutting-edge solutions to our customers.
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
- 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
- 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
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
- Other discounts
