Rocket Lab USA
Mechanical Engineer I/II - Space Payloads
Rocket Lab USA, Tucson, Arizona, United States, 85718
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
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. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions worldwide, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate‑change mitigation, national security, and the demonstration of new technology.
SPACE SYSTEMS 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 and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that keep them operational in space, such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. With more than 1,700 missions—including interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing, and national‑security initiatives—we partner with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force to support missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER I/II – SPACE PAYLOADS Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division solves mission‑critical space domain and ISR challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers. We strive to revolutionize the space‑based payload market with innovative designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro‑optical and infrared systems innovation, we deliver responsive sensing solutions across all orbital domains.
As a 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. Bring curiosity, collaboration, and keen attention to detail to a team relentlessly tackling challenging projects and making an impact on the future of space.
(Please note: this position can be hired at the Mechanical Engineer I or Mechanical Engineer II level)
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO
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 guidance as needed.
Communicate effectively with direct supervisor, project management, customers, and team members across disciplines.
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 MECHANICAL ENGINEER I
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
Mechanical design experience.
Strong computer skills and experience with CAD modeling and drawing.
Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS MECHANICAL ENGINEER II
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
2+ years of mechanical design experience.
Strong computer skills and experience with CAD modeling and drawing.
Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE
Experience with FEA/FEM.
Experience with mechanism design.
Experience with materials engineering and processes.
Experience with environmental testing.
Experience with SolidWorks or NX.
Experience in implementation and understanding of GDT (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).
Experience with documentation process controls.
Experience with mechanical design associated with optical and electro‑optical systems.
Hands‑on experience 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 role.
Ability to manage time and resources 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.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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.
WHAT TO EXPECT We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. Hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others deem impossible are our core values. We thrive under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and focus on delivery rather than dwelling on challenges.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – US LOCATIONS ONLY
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, Rocket Lab employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – NEW ZEALAND LOCATIONS ONLY
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers. These checks include nationality checks as a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Under these regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO‑member country, or if you hold an ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT Rocket Lab gives employment and advancement opportunities equitably to employees and applicants for employment, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability status, citizenship, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws or the United Nations Charter. This is a fundamental principle of Rocket Lab’s philosophy, and all employees and applicants use the same standard to apply for employment, advance, and be evaluated.
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SPACE SYSTEMS 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 and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that keep them operational in space, such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. With more than 1,700 missions—including interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing, and national‑security initiatives—we partner with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force to support missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER I/II – SPACE PAYLOADS Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division solves mission‑critical space domain and ISR challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers. We strive to revolutionize the space‑based payload market with innovative designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro‑optical and infrared systems innovation, we deliver responsive sensing solutions across all orbital domains.
As a 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. Bring curiosity, collaboration, and keen attention to detail to a team relentlessly tackling challenging projects and making an impact on the future of space.
(Please note: this position can be hired at the Mechanical Engineer I or Mechanical Engineer II level)
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO
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 guidance as needed.
Communicate effectively with direct supervisor, project management, customers, and team members across disciplines.
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 MECHANICAL ENGINEER I
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
Mechanical design experience.
Strong computer skills and experience with CAD modeling and drawing.
Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS MECHANICAL ENGINEER II
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
2+ years of mechanical design experience.
Strong computer skills and experience with CAD modeling and drawing.
Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE
Experience with FEA/FEM.
Experience with mechanism design.
Experience with materials engineering and processes.
Experience with environmental testing.
Experience with SolidWorks or NX.
Experience in implementation and understanding of GDT (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).
Experience with documentation process controls.
Experience with mechanical design associated with optical and electro‑optical systems.
Hands‑on experience 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 role.
Ability to manage time and resources 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.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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.
WHAT TO EXPECT We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. Hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others deem impossible are our core values. We thrive under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and focus on delivery rather than dwelling on challenges.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – US LOCATIONS ONLY
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, Rocket Lab employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – NEW ZEALAND LOCATIONS ONLY
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers. These checks include nationality checks as a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Under these regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO‑member country, or if you hold an ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT Rocket Lab gives employment and advancement opportunities equitably to employees and applicants for employment, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability status, citizenship, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws or the United Nations Charter. This is a fundamental principle of Rocket Lab’s philosophy, and all employees and applicants use the same standard to apply for employment, advance, and be evaluated.
#J-18808-Ljbffr