Senior Mechanical Engineer II

Rocketlab; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 114,000 - 172,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier medical coverage (HMO/PPO)

Company equity

100% company-sponsored HSA

Dental and vision coverage

3 weeks vacation + 7 sick days

11 holidays

401(k) with company match

Employee stock purchase program

Flex schedule

Free breakfast/lunch 2x/week

Free snacks/drinks

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Silver Spring, MD seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer II to lead development of electromechanical space mechanisms from concept to production on aggressive timelines. The role involves CAD/FEA design, requirements management, and cross‑functional collaboration within a busy Space Systems team.

The position offers a competitive base salary (MD), comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to mentor engineers while delivering missions to space. Base pay range is displayed for MD only.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in aerospace mechanical development projects.
• 3+ years as responsible engineer on mechanical development projects.
• Experience mentoring other engineers.
• 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 continuous improvements to the engineering approach and best practices.
• Generate technical reports and presentations to communicate findings to stakeholders and partners.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure proper functionality across system interfaces.
• Own development schedules, milestone reviews, and technical interchange meetings.
• Mentor other engineers.
• Support business development proposals and custom SOWs.
• Travel to suppliers/customers/Rocket Lab sites ~10%.

Skills

Aerospace development experience

Responsible engineer

Mentoring engineers

CAD and FEA proficiency

Aerospace standards knowledge

Project management experience

Education

MS degree in engineering (nice to have)

Tools

NX CAD

Simcenter FEA

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 rockethas 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.

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.

SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER II

As a Senior 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:

• SENIOR ENGINEER I qualifications plus
• 8+ years of experience in aerospace mechanical development projects
  • 3+ years as responsible engineer on mechanical development projects
• Experience mentoring other engineers
• CAD and FEA proficiency
• Thorough understandings of aerospace standards, environments, verification tests and requirements
• Experience managing complex projects across organizational team

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.

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.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: 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: discounted employee stock purchase program, flex schedule, free breakfast and lunch catered 2x/week, and free snacks/drinks.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (MD Only): $114,000 — $172,000 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 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. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.