Senior Ground Systems Engineer I, Mechanical

Rocket Lab USA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Senior Ground Systems Engineer I based at our US-test facilities to design, build, and maintain the critical test stands for Archimedes and Neutron programs. You will work with propulsion and test operations teams to define test requirements and ensure facilities meet safety and performance standards.

The role emphasizes hands-on problem solving, apparatus integration, and developing robust maintenance procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or similar technical discipline.
• 5+ years of rocket engine test stand or launch complex design and build experience.
• Working knowledge in Siemens NX and Teamcenter.
• Familiarity with ASME B31.1.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and integrate critical test systems to support test objectives.
• Collaborate with technicians and engineers to troubleshoot facility and test operations issues.
• Develop maintenance protocols for facility infrastructure.
• Coordinate with Archimedes engine and Neutron vehicle design teams to prepare and perform tests on key hardware.

Skills

Rocket engine test stand experience

Hands-on mechanical design

Problem solving

Cross-team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

Teamcenter

ASME B31.1

NASA GFSSP

Ansys Fluent

CAESAR

JIRA

Job description

About The Role

ABOUT ROCKET LABRocket 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.

NEUTRONNeutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program.

SENIOR GROUND SYSTEMS ENGINEER I

Based out of Rocket Lab's Test Facility at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, the Ground Systems Engineer II / Senior Ground Systems Engineer is responsible for Design, Build, and Maintenance of critical test facilities to support the Archimedes rocket engine and the Neutron launch vehicles. You’ll collaborate closely with Engine Propulsion and Test Operations teams to develop requirements for test stand design.Your work will require technical discipline and expertise in mechanical design and build but will also require a strong understanding of instrumentation and test site operations. You will be responsible for maintaining and upgrading critical test facilities to meet the needs of the Archimedes engine test program. You may be asked to directly support Engine hardware and Engine test operations. You will become skilled in Ground Systems engineering and be expected to work independently in support of the overall test facility design, build, activation, and engine test efforts.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

• Design, build, and integrate critical test systems to support all test objectives and requirements
• Work with a team of technicians and engineers to perform troubleshooting to resolve facility and test operations issues
• Develop maintenance protocols for new and existing facility infrastructure
• Collaborate with Archimedes engine and Neutron vehicle design teams to prepare and perform tests on key engine and stage hardware
• Work hand in hand with the test operators to complete design, build installation and checkout of facility systemsThis includes helping maintain cleanliness and integrity of systems, ensure component level verifications are performed, and ensuring internal standards are met

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A MECHANICAL GROUND SYSTEMS ENGINEER II

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering; or other technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience in rocket engine test stand or launch complex design and build
• Working knowledge in Siemens NX and Teamcenter
• Familiarity with ASME B31.1

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Experiencing with NASA GFSSP, Ansys Fluent, and CAESAR
• Experience with JIRA for work tracking and scheduling
• Broad general background in your engineering discipline with ability to design systems and develop computer tools for automation or analysis
• Experience designing or operating facilities for liquid oxygen and liquid methane
• Experience in weld design and inspection
• Background that demonstrates personal development which might include pilot training, scouting, sports teams especially any leadership roles in those activities
• Working knowledge of computer networks and IT infrastructure
• Demonstrated experience working with various disciplines, fabricators and suppliers to achieve on-time project execution
• Ability to remain unfazed by ambiguity or changes in strategic direction while maintaining a positive attitude and being self-actualized and self-guided
• 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

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.

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 do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is a part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at 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.