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Rocket Lab is seeking a Mechanical Engineer II to join the Neutron team, responsible for developing and implementing mechanical designs and packaging solutions for the avionics systems powering Neutron, a new large-lift launch vehicle. Based in Long Beach, CA, you will own the mechanical component design and integration for critical avionics across the vehicle, including the Archimedes engine, guidance/navigation/control (GNC) sensing and computing systems, and the explosive flight safety system. Your work will ensure these systems reliably operate in extreme launch vehicle environments across multiple reflights.
Key responsibilities include: developing mechanical components and electro-mechanical systems from conception through production and test; executing hardware testing including system-level performance validation, engine hotfires, integrated vehicle stack tests, and qualification testing; performing structural and electro-mechanical analysis using classical and computational methods to optimize for performance and lifetime durability; contributing to reusable vehicle architectures that enable hands-off reusability between flights; and traveling to vendors and test sites across the United States (approximately 10%) with sporadic travel to New Zealand facilities.
You will collaborate closely with avionics designers, electrical engineers, propulsion and fluids specialists, vehicle integration teams, and testing personnel across multiple sites. The role offers hands-on involvement with physical flight hardware on the production floor and at launch sites, experiencing hardware evolution from prototype through production and final launch integration.
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent; 2+ years of professional experience in mechanical or electro-mechanical design and analysis. Preferred experience includes proficiency with NX, Ansys, or similar CAD/analysis tools; design experience in thermal and dynamic environments; strong fundamentals in 3D modeling, finite element analysis (FEA), and GD&T; exposure to avionics design and electronics integration/packaging; and familiarity with manufacturing best practices.
