Rocket Lab Corporation
Mechanical Engineer II
About this role
Lead the design and development of complex electromechanical satellite separation mechanisms from concept through production at Rocket Lab's Silver Spring facility. You'll own challenging projects on aggressive timelines while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and mentoring engineers on innovative space systems.
What you'll do
- Lead development of space mechanisms and structures from concept through production implementation
- Design mechanisms in CAD and perform structural analysis using hand calculations and FEA
- Define requirements, establish traceability, and lead verification and validation efforts
- Create technical documentation including design descriptions, interface control documents, and verification matrices
- Manage development schedules, milestone reviews, and technical meetings with internal and external stakeholders
- Mentor other engineers and support supplier/customer visits (approximately 10% travel)
What they're looking for
- CAD design proficiency
- FEA analysis and structural modeling
- Aerospace standards and requirements knowledge
- Requirements management and traceability
- Project schedule management
- Technical documentation and communication
- NX CAD and Simcenter FEA (preferred)
- Complex project coordination across teams
Benefits
- Company equity and stock purchase program with 15% employee discount
- Top-tier medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% company-sponsored HSA option
- 3 weeks paid vacation and 7 days sick leave annually, plus 11 paid holidays
- Paid parental leave, disability and life insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Free catered meals twice weekly and flexible schedule
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Rocket Lab Corporation
Rocket Lab builds spacecraft and satellites that it launches on its own rockets, developing the avionics, flight software, and ground systems needed to operate these vehicles in orbit. The company is hiring software engineers, test automation specialists, and spacecraft operations engineers to develop embedded flight software, design testing systems, and manage satellite fleet health across commercial and government missions.
View all jobs at Rocket Lab CorporationLikely interview questions
- Describe your experience leading the development of complex mechanical systems from concept through production—what challenges did you face and how did you manage the timeline?
- Walk us through your proficiency with CAD and FEA tools; have you used NX and Simcenter specifically, and what types of analyses have you performed?