Mechanical Engineer II

Rocket Lab; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 87,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Silver Spring, Maryland is seeking a Mechanical Engineer II to lead development of innovative electromechanical space mechanisms from concept to production on aggressive timelines. The role focuses on design, analysis, and documentation, with NDA-style responsibilities and a path to mentorship within a growing Space Systems team.

You will own schedules, collaborate across disciplines, support proposals, and travel about 10% to suppliers and sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field.
• 2+ 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.

Responsibilities

• 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%.

Skills

Aerospace mechanical development

Project management

CAD proficiency

FEA proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

NX CAD

Simcenter FEA

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER 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!

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:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field

2+ 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

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.
Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package , giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 7 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: flex schedule, free breakfast and lunch catered 2x/week, and free snacks/drinks.

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.

Total Compensation (base and equity)
$116,000 — $122,000 USD

Base Salary
$87,000 — $109,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

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 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. Learn more about ITAR here .

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.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

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 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. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.