Space Systems Mechanical Engineer II - Impactful Hardware

Rocket Lab USA; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with match

Equity / stock options

Medical, dental, vision coverage

3 weeks vacation and 7 days sick leave

11 paid holidays

Free meals 2x/week

Stock purchase program

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA in Silver Spring, MD is seeking a Mechanical Engineer II to lead development of electromechanical space mechanisms from concept through production on aggressive timelines. This role designs, analyzes, and documents hardware for satellite separation systems and supports cross-functional teams.

You will mentor engineers, manage complex projects, and contribute to proposals while traveling ~10% to suppliers and partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering
• 2+ years experience in aerospace mechanical development projects
• 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 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 constant incremental improvements to the development team's engineering approach and best practices.
• Generate technical reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
• 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%.

Skills

CAD proficiency

FEA proficiency

Aerospace standards knowledge

Project management

2+ years aerospace experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

MS in relevant engineering field

Tools

NX CAD

Simcenter FEA

Job description

Rocket Lab USA in Silver Spring, MD is seeking a Mechanical Engineer II to lead development of electromechanical space mechanisms from concept through production on aggressive timelines. This role designs, analyzes, and documents hardware for satellite separation systems and supports cross-functional teams.

You will mentor engineers, manage complex projects, and contribute to proposals while traveling ~10% to suppliers and partners.