Ground Systems Engineer II - Structures & Mechanisms Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab builds rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, and expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast and build real hardware for meaningful missions.
Neutron Programme
Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering mega constellations, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron programme.
What You'll Do
- Design launch pad and test site fixed assets including test stands, launch mounts, and gantries
- Design launch vehicle support equipment including transportation fixtures, lifting apparatuses, and breakover fixtures
- Design large mechanisms including umbilicals, hold-downs, and strongbacks
- Produce 2D and 3D modelling using CAD software, specifically NX
- Perform system sizing and analysis by hand calculation and numerical methods
- Produce risk assessments, system hazard analyses, and FMEAs
- Select components, develop, and maintain BOMs
- Interact with suppliers and internal teams
- Perform failure investigations and root cause analysis
- Support maintenance programme development
- Collaborate with test and operations teams to ensure systems are fully functional
- Support pad technicians remotely and in person during installation, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting
- Develop and execute test plans to validate the performance of launch pad systems and vehicle interfaces
- Design, develop and maintain test equipment
Required Qualifications
- ABET accredited Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
- 2+ years of experience in directly applicable design, testing, and/or operations within the aerospace or industrial sectors
- Experience in the design of large structures and mechanisms
- Proficiency in CAD software (NX, Solidworks)
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience with launch pad systems, oil and gas, process, mining, or similar industry
- Experience with structural design and analysis
- Experience with software-based analysis tools such as RISA, ANSYS, GFSSP, AFT, or Thermal Desktop
- Experience with design of fluid systems to ASME, ASTM and/or NASA Ground system standards
- Ability to read, understand, and produce fabrication drawings
- Ability to work in fast-paced, autonomously driven environment
- Prior experience through education, internships or full-time employment directly applicable to the design of structures or mechanisms
- Proven communication skills and ability to build strong working relationships
Working Conditions
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.
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary range (VA): $88,000 to $110,000 USD. Compensation includes eligibility for company stock or cash incentives, employee stock purchase programme, medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, paid parental leave, and other discounts and perks.
Employment Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce.
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.