Senior Mechanical Engineer I​/II, Space Payloads - Secret Clearance

Senior Mechanical Engineer I/II, Space Payloads - Secret Clearance

Tucson, AZ

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer I/II based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ, you will support multiple advanced space payload and IRAD programs. You will contribute to technical programs across all phases and be an integral part of the design, development, build, and test of flight hardware.

This position can be hired at the Senior Mechanical Engineer I or Senior Mechanical Engineer II level.

• Produce mechanical concepts and designs for a wide variety of hardware and projects
• Work with machine shops and vendors to complete fabrication of designs
• See designs through to successful integration and test
• Use investigative and troubleshooting skills to assess issues and develop resolutions in the lab
• Work proactively to complete tasks with some modest direction
• Communicate effectively with direct supervisor, project management, customers, and team members across disciplines
• Significantly contribute to program and customer meetings and reviews
• Attend technical interchange meetings with team members and other project personnel and represent the organization in matters pertaining to the development of the project(s)
• Provide status on assigned tasks and program schedules
• Provide document review and resolve technical engineering and integration issues
• Support travel as required, including working off‑site

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
• 5+ years of mechanical design experience
• Strong computer skills and experience with CAD modeling and drawing
• Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
• Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
• 8+ years of mechanical design experience
• Strong computer skills and experience with CAD modeling and drawing
• Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation

• Experience with FEA/FEM
• Experience with mechanism design
• Experience with materials engineering and processes
• Experience with environmental testing
• Experience with Solid Works or NX
• Experience in implementation and understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing
• Experience as an REA (Responsible Engineering Authority) or familiarity with documentation process controls
• Experience with mechanical design associated with optical and electro‑optical systems
• Hands‑on expertise with optical systems, telescope systems, laser systems, and/or space systems
• Experience designing optical mounts for use in various demanding applications and environments
• Experience performing and working in a dynamic and high‑visibility role
• Ability to manage time and resources in order to meet assigned deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to problem solve
• Team player who incorporates a team‑based success philosophy and seeks mentorship

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth…