Ground Systems Engineer I - Structures and Mechanisms

Segment (Twilio); Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Ground Systems Engineer I to design, build, test and commission mechanical launch pad systems for Neutron, focusing on structures and mechanisms. This hands-on role collaborates across suppliers and cross-functional teams from concept to commissioning.

You will perform design calculations, create 2D/3D NX models, and develop risk analyses while supporting maintenance programs and test activities on launch pad infrastructure.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Strong engineering fundamentals and ability to perform design calculations.
• Proficiency in CAD for 2D/3D models and fabrication drawings.
• Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Design launch pad and test site fixed assets, including stands, mounts and gantries.
• Design launch vehicle support equipment, fixtures and lifting apparatus.
• Create large mechanism designs such as umbilicals and hold-downs.
• Produce 2D/3D models using NX CAD and conduct sizing analyses.
• Develop risk assessments, FMEAs, and maintain BOMs.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams; assist installation and commissioning.
• Develop test plans and validate performance of launch pad systems.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Engineering fundamentals

Team collaboration

Fabrication drawings

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NX CAD

Teamcenter

Job description

Company Overview

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. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Role Summary

Ground Systems Engineer I – Structures and Mechanisms. As a Ground Systems Engineer I you will be responsible for the design, build, testing and commissioning of mechanical launch pad and test sites for Neutron focusing on structures and mechanisms. This role is hands‑on and collaborative, working closely with suppliers, technicians and cross‑functional teams. From concept to commissioning, you will play a key role in ensuring Rocket Lab’s Ground Systems are reliable, efficient and ready to support our missions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design of launch pad and test site fixed assets including test stands, launch mounts and gantries.
• Design of launch vehicle support equipment including transportation fixtures, lifting apparatuses and breakover fixtures.
• Design of large mechanisms such as umbilicals, hold‑downs and strongbacks.
• Produce 2D and 3D modelling through the use of CAD software, specifically NX.
• Conduct system sizing and analysis by hand calculations and numerical methods.
• Create risk assessments, system hazard analyses and FMEAs.
• Develop and select components, producing and maintaining bill of materials (BOMs).
• Interact with suppliers and internal teams.
• Perform failure investigations and root‑cause analysis.
• Support maintenance program development.
• Collaborate with test and operations teams to ensure systems are fully functional.
• Assist pad technicians remotely and in person during installation, commissioning, testing and troubleshooting activities.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate the performance of launch pad systems and vehicle interfaces.
• Design, develop and maintain test equipment.

Required Qualifications

• ABET‑accredited Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Strong engineering fundamentals and ability to perform required design calculations, by hand or with software and proper guidance.
• Proficiency in CAD software for creating 2D and 3D models.
• Ability to read, understand and produce fabrication drawings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Work experience directly applicable to the role within aerospace, oil and gas, mining or similar industry.
• Experience with NX and Teamcenter.
• Experience with software‑based analysis tools such as RISA, ANSYS, GFSSP, AFT or equivalent.
• Prior experience through education, internships or full‑time employment directly applicable to the design of structures or mechanisms.

Physical and Work Environment

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.

Compensation

Base Pay Range (VA Only): $71,000—$85,000 USD. Final agreed upon compensation is based on individual qualifications and experience. Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package and may include company stock or cash incentives as well as a discountable Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Benefits

Employee benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Important Information – U.S. Office Eligibility

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or be lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail].

Important Information – New Zealand Office Eligibility

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States’ International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.