SPACE SYSTEMS
Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.
SR. SPACECRAFT MECHANICAL ENGINEER – TS/SCI CLEARANCE
Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, theSr. Spacecraft Mechanical Engineeris responsible for developing high performance and lightweight satellite deployment systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations for our customers. You will support the Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
Support the Business Development team with proposals and mission concepts
Develop high performance and lightweight satellite systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations for our customers
Develop concepts and satellite configurations for high value science and interplanetary missions
Define what mechanisms look like on a modern satellite system/bus
Own component designs from conceptual design through production, test, and operation
Perform hand-calcs and FEA to drive design decisions
Lead key component design, manufacturing, and test reviews
Create and maintain product definition through CAD, production drawings, and test and operations procedures
Manage development schedules, vendors, budgets, and other project deliverables
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
Active TS/SCI clearance
5+ years of mechanical engineering experience
Experience with CAD modeling and drawing
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Master’s or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
Spacecraft/satellite design experience
Rapid conceptual design iteration experience
Exceptional mechanical mechanism problem-solving skills
Hands-on development and testing experience
Experience with analysis and interpretation of test data (Thermal, Vibe)
Ability to take a product from concept through to production with little supervision
Highly self-motivated and able to work autonomously
Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering
Ability to apply GD&T to component designs
Experience developing satellite deployment systems
General spacecraft systems engineering knowledge, and experience with requirements assessments and interface control document generation
