Senior Mechanical Engineer, Space Systems Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Company equity

Health insurance

401(k) with match

Paid vacation

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Free snacks

Free meals

Stock purchase program

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Silver Spring, MD is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer II to lead the development of innovative electromechanical space mechanisms from concept through production on aggressive timelines. The role focuses on satellite separation mechanisms and cross‑functional design work with an mission to advance reliable space systems.

You will mentor engineers, own schedules, perform CAD/FEA analyses, define and verify system requirements, and prepare design documentation.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in aerospace mechanical development projects.
• 3+ years as responsible engineer on mechanical development projects.
• Experience mentoring other engineers.
• Thorough understandings of aerospace standards, environments, verification tests and requirements.

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
• Mentor other engineers
• Support travel or off‑site work to suppliers, customers, and other Rocket Lab sites, approximately 10%

Skills

CAD

FEA

Mentoring

Education

MS in relevant engineering field

Tools

NX CAD

Simcenter FEA

Job description

Rocket Lab in Silver Spring, MD is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer II to lead the development of innovative electromechanical space mechanisms from concept through production on aggressive timelines. The role focuses on satellite separation mechanisms and cross‑functional design work with an mission to advance reliable space systems.

You will mentor engineers, own schedules, perform CAD/FEA analyses, define and verify system requirements, and prepare design documentation.