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Full-Time

Sr. Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer

TS/SCI Clearance

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab USA

1,001-5,000 employees

Provides launch services and spacecraft solutions

Aerospace
Defense

Compensation Overview

$105k - $205kAnnually

Senior

Long Beach, CA, USA

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

US Top Secret Clearance, US Citizenship Required

Category
Space & Rocket Engineering
Design Engineering
Mechanical Maintenance and Reliability Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Required Skills
CAD
FEM/FEA
Requirements
  • 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
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 sectors. 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 to support a wide range of missions, from national security to scientific exploration.

Company Stage

IPO

Total Funding

$1.5B

Headquarters

Long Beach, California

Founded

2006

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

16%

1 year growth

37%

2 year growth

84%
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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