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

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

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 to space.

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

• 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 trouble‑shooting 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 perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, and it requires hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work and out‑pace; we pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small.

We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the…