Ground Systems Engineer

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

Note: We are currently seeking Ground Systems Engineer II’s and Senior Ground Systems Engineers for future opportunities at our Launch Complex 3 facility in Wallops Island VA.

GROUND SYSTEMS ENGINEER II / SENIOR GROUND SYSTEMS ENGINEER PIPELINE

Based out of Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex in Wallops, VA, the Ground Systems Engineer II / Senior Ground Systems Engineer is responsible for the design, build, testing and commissioning of mechanical launch pad and test sites for Neutron including focusing on structures and mechanisms. This role may support other programs on occasion such as the Electron team at Wallops Island, VA and the Archimedes engine test site at Stennis Space Center, MS.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• With minimal supervision, design, draft, and analyze launch range systems including but not limited to:
  • Fixed launch pad asset design: test stands, launch mounts, gantries, and others.
  • Vehicle support equipment: transportation fixtures, lifting apparatuses, breakover fixtures, and others.
  • Mechanisms: umbilicals, hold downs, strongback, and others.
  • High energy fluids systems: cryogenics, pneumatics, hydraulics, and others.
  • Component and material selection: Building materials including concrete, structural steel, and others. Mechanisms including pumps, winches, hydraulic actuators, and others. Instrumentation including load cells, pressure sensors, temperatures sensors, and others.
  • P&IDs, CAD design, Fabrication drawings, and others.
• System sizing and analysis by hand calculation and numerical methods
• Develop and maintain BOMs
• Interact with vendors, suppliers, and internal production teams to optimize designs for manufacturability and/or confirm components are fit for purpose
• Produce risk assessments, system hazard analyses and FMEA’s
• Perform failure investigations and root cause analysis
• Produce documentation including operator manuals, maintenance procedures, test procedures, and work instructions

GROUND SYSTEMS ENGINEER II, YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A LEVEL:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
• 2+ years’ industry experience
• Experience in the design of large structures and mechanisms
• Ability to read, understand, and produce fabrication drawings

SENIOR GROUND SYSTEMS ENGINEER, YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A LEVEL:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
• 5+ years’ industry experience
• Experience in the design of large structures and mechanisms
• Ability to read, understand, and produce fabrication drawings

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

• Experience with launch pad systems OR oil and gas, process, mining, or other similar industry. This role is not limited to those with prior launch system experience.
• Experience with NX, Teamcenter, Draftsight, or equivalent
• Experience with Structural design and analysis.
• Experience with software based analysis tools such as RISA, ANSYS, GFSSP, AFT, Thermal Desktop, or equivalent
• Experience with design of fluid systems to PEPCR, ASME, ASTM and/or NASA Ground system standards would be an asset

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. 
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.