Senior Mechanical Engineer II​/Principal, Space Payloads - TS​/SCI Clearance

Senior Mechanical Engineer II/Principal, Space Payloads – TS/SCI 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 rockethas 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.

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world‑class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER II/PRINCIPAL, SPACE PAYLOADS – ACTIVE TS/SCI CLEARANCE

Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division solves mission‑critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space‑based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro‑optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

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Please note:

this position can be hired at the Senior Mechanical Engineer II or Principal Mechanical Engineer level)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Produce complex 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 trouble‑shooting skills to assess issues and develop resolutions in the lab
• Work proactively to complete tasks with rare 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

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER II:

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

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS PRINCIPAL MECHANICAL…