Mechanical Engineer II/Senior

ABOUT ROCKET LABRocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.SPACE SYSTEMSAt Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration and in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or vertically integrated components that help missions get to space, our world-class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missionsMECHANICAL ENGINEER II/SENIORAs a Mechanical Engineer at Rocket Lab’s Silver Spring, Maryland location, you will lead development of innovative and complex electromechanical systems from project concepting through production implementation on aggressive timelines. This facility manufactures satellite separation mechanisms. Rocket Lab’s commitment to improving life on earth by going to space is built upon a foundation of hard-working and motivated individuals that collaborate, challenge, and have each other’s backs.(Please note: this position can be hired at the Mechanical Engineer II or Senior Mechanical Engineer I level.)WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Lead schedule-aggressive development of innovative space mechanisms from concept through implementation as responsible engineerDesign mechanisms and structures in CAD and analyze using hand calcs and FEADrive requirements definition, traceability, compliance, verification, and system validationPrepare and maintain technical documentation, such as system design descriptions, CONOPS and ICDsCreate and maintain requirements verification matrices and risk management plansSupport constant incremental improvements to the development team’s engineering approach and best practicesGenerate technical reports and presentations to communicate findings, progress, and recommendations to internal stakeholders and external partnersSupport environmental verification testing by assisting or leading test requirements, procedures and executionCollaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure proper functionality across system interfaces and for end usersOwn, or significantly contribute to, development schedules, project milestone reviews and technical interchange meetingsSupport business development proposals and custom SOWsSupport travel or off-site work to suppliers, customers, and other Rocket Lab sites, approximately 10%.Mentor other engineers (as Senior I)YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER II Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field2+ years experience in aerospace or similar mechanical developmentCAD and FEA proficiencyExperience adapting to changing priorities and quickly resolving blockersExperience working complex projects across organizational teamsYOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER I Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field5+ years experience in mechanical development projects, of which 2+ shall be aerospaceCAD and FEA proficiencyThorough understanding of aerospace standards, environments, verification tests and requirementsExperience adapting to changing priorities and quickly resolving blockersExperience managing complex projects across organizational teamsTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: MS in relevant engineering fieldProficiency in NX CAD and Simcenter FEA softwareExperience designing aerospace mechanismsStrong task management, communication and problem solving skillsThis position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 7 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, flex schedule, free breakfast and lunch catered 2x/week, and free snacks/drinks.Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.Base Pay Range (MD Only)$87,000—$125,000 USDWHAT TO EXPECT We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way. Important information:FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at View email address on click.appcast.io dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.