Senior Mechanical Engineer II — Space Systems Mechanisms Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Equity

401(k) with match

PTO & holidays

Free meals

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA 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 across Space Systems.

The position offers a competitive base pay (MD) and comprehensive benefits, with travel to suppliers and Rocket Lab sites about 10% of the time. Base Pay Range MD: $114,000 – $172,000 USD.

Qualifications

• CAD and FEA proficiency in aerospace contexts and verification tests.
• Thorough understanding of aerospace standards, environments, verification tests and requirements.
• Experience mentoring other engineers and leading complex projects.

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 engineering practices and team performance.
• Generate technical reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure proper functionality across interfaces.
• Own development schedules, major milestone reviews and technical interchange meetings.
• Mentor other engineers.
• Support business development proposals and SOWs.
• Travel to suppliers/customers Rocket Lab sites ~10%.

Skills

CAD and FEA proficiency

Mentoring engineers

Aerospace standards knowledge

Project management

Education

MS in relevant engineering field

Tools

NX CAD

Simcenter FEA

Job description

Rocket Lab USA 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 across Space Systems.

The position offers a competitive base pay (MD) and comprehensive benefits, with travel to suppliers and Rocket Lab sites about 10% of the time. Base Pay Range MD: $114,000 – $172,000 USD.