Senior Mechanical Engineer - Space Systems Lead

Rocketlab; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Comprehensive benefits

Flexible schedule

Free meals and snacks

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Silver Spring, MD is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer I to lead development of electromechanical space mechanisms from concept to production. You will supervise schedules, design in CAD, assess with FEA, and own verification across interfaces, with travel about 10% and a strong focus on aerospace standards.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in engineering, 5+ years in aerospace mechanical development, CAD/FEA proficiency, and ability to manage complex cross-functional programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field.
• 5+ years experience in aerospace mechanical development projects.
• CAD and FEA proficiency.
• Aerospace standards, environments, verification tests and requirements understood.
• Experience managing complex projects across organizational teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead schedule-aggressive development of innovative space mechanisms from concept through implementation.
• 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.
• 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 approx. 10% to suppliers, customers, Rocket Lab sites.

Skills

CAD

FEA

Aerospace standards

Project management

Cross-functional teams

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering field

MS in relevant engineering field

Tools

NX CAD

Simcenter FEA

Job description

Rocket Lab in Silver Spring, MD is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer I to lead development of electromechanical space mechanisms from concept to production. You will supervise schedules, design in CAD, assess with FEA, and own verification across interfaces, with travel about 10% and a strong focus on aerospace standards.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in engineering, 5+ years in aerospace mechanical development, CAD/FEA proficiency, and ability to manage complex cross-functional programs.