Full-Time

Sr. Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I/II

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab USA

1,001-5,000 employees

Provides launch services and spacecraft solutions

Industrial & Manufacturing
Aerospace

Compensation Overview

$105k - $165kAnnually

Mid, Senior

No H1B Sponsorship

Long Beach, CA, USA

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA.

US Citizenship Required

Category
Space & Rocket Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Required Skills
CAD
GD&T
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience
  • Experience with CAD modeling and drawing
  • 8+ years of mechanical engineering experience (for Sr. Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II)
  • Master’s or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline (nice to have)
  • Spacecraft/satellite design experience (nice to have)
  • Rapid conceptual design iteration experience (nice to have)
  • Exceptional mechanical mechanism problem-solving skills (nice to have)
  • Hands-on development and testing experience (nice to have)
  • Experience with analysis and interpretation of test data (Thermal, Vibe) (nice to have)
  • Ability to take a product from concept through to production with little supervision (nice to have)
  • Highly self-motivated and able to work autonomously (nice to have)
  • Ability to apply GD&T to component designs (nice to have)
  • Experience developing satellite deployment systems (nice to have)
  • General spacecraft systems engineering knowledge, and experience with requirements assessments and interface control document generation (nice to have)
  • 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.
Responsibilities
  • 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

Rocket Lab provides comprehensive space solutions, including launch services, spacecraft components, and satellite management. Their main products are the Electron launch vehicle, which is designed for small satellite launches, and the Photon satellite platform, which supports various missions, including those for NASA. The Electron rocket has gained popularity, becoming the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket since its debut in 2018, successfully delivering over 100 satellites into orbit for various applications such as national security and climate monitoring. Rocket Lab differentiates itself from competitors by offering a streamlined approach to accessing space, with multiple launch sites and a focus on affordability and reliability. The company's goal is to make space more accessible and efficient for both private and public sector organizations.

Company Stage

IPO

Total Funding

$713.3M

Headquarters

Long Beach, California

Founded

2006

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

11%

1 year growth

32%

2 year growth

77%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The expansion in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a $70 million investment and creation of 100 new jobs, indicates strong growth and job opportunities.
  • Significant investments from firms like Verus Capital Partners and Susquehanna Fundamental Investments reflect strong market confidence in Rocket Lab's future.
  • Government funding, including $41 million from the Chips Act and $44 million from New Mexico, bolsters Rocket Lab's financial stability and capacity for innovation.

What critics are saying

  • The competitive landscape of the space industry, with major players like SpaceX, could pressure Rocket Lab to continuously innovate to maintain its market position.
  • Delays or failures in the development of the Neutron launch vehicle could impact Rocket Lab's ability to capture larger payload markets.

What makes Rocket Lab USA unique

  • Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, showcasing a proven track record of reliability and success.
  • The company's Photon spacecraft platform has been selected for high-profile NASA missions, including those to the Moon and Mars, setting it apart from competitors.
  • Rocket Lab's dual launch sites in New Zealand and Virginia provide operational flexibility and increased launch frequency, a strategic advantage over competitors with fewer launch sites.

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