Mechanical Engineer II, Neutron Avionics

• Development of mechanical components and electro-mechanical systems. Includes mechanical design, prototyping, production, test and integration. Execute multiple design iterations in efficient manner, while leveraging technical experience to clear short-term issues and long-term roadblocks. Own the hardware delivery timeline through inception, design, assembly, and test.
• Support and execute hardware testing, including system-level performance validation, Archimedes hotfires, integrated vehicle stack tests, and explosive/destructive qualification.
• Analysis of electro-mechanical and structural assemblies via classical and computer methods. Assess and optimize for downstream performance of physical events being driven and usage across the lifetime of the rocket.
• Contribute to the future, reusable vehicle architectures. Optimize the designs, implementation, and operation to achieve hands-off reusability between flights.
• Travel to vendors and test sites around the United States, approximately 10%. Sporadic travel to New Zealand sites.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• 2+ years of professional experience with mechanical or electro-mechanical design and analysis.

• Professional experience with NX, Ansys, or similar tools.
• Experience designing things for stressing thermal and dynamic environments.
• Strong fundamentals in mechanical design, 3D modeling, finite element analysis (FEA), and manufacturing drawing creation (GD&T).
• Professional experience working with avionics designers and exposure to electronics integration and packaging.
• Experience with best practices for design, qualification, and production of avionics systems and electro-mechanical components for launch vehicles.
• Experience with Python or similar software languages and integration.
• Experience with an agile development environment.
• Experience vibration and shock testing avionics, sensors, or similar components.
• Experience with HASS/HALT, HITL testing electronics and designing test support hardware.
• Experience with control systems for electro-mechanical components and systems.

This 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

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it.

In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success.

As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

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.

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.

of State and/or the U.S.

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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.

This 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.