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Rocket Lab is seeking a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I to join the Space Systems division's vehicle design team in Long Beach, CA. This role focuses on developing high-performance, lightweight satellite systems, mechanisms, and bus configurations for civil, commercial, and defense customers.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting business development with proposals and mission concepts
- Designing satellite systems, mechanisms, and configurations for customers
- Developing concepts for high-value science and interplanetary missions
- Owning component designs from concept through production, test, and operation
- Performing hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA) to drive design decisions
- Leading component design, manufacturing, and test reviews
- Creating and maintaining product definitions through CAD, production drawings, and test/operations procedures
- Managing development schedules, vendors, budgets, and project deliverables
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or related engineering discipline
- Mechanical engineering experience
- CAD modeling and drawing proficiency
- Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Security Clearance
- U.S. citizenship (required due to program requirements)
Desirable qualifications include Master's or PhD in aerospace/mechanical engineering, active security clearance, spacecraft/satellite design experience, rapid conceptual design iteration, exceptional mechanism problem-solving, hands-on development and testing experience, thermal/vibration test data analysis, GD&T application, satellite deployment systems experience, and spacecraft systems engineering knowledge.
The role involves occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Compensation includes competitive base pay plus company stock as part of the total package.
