Rocket Lab
Mechanical Engineer I/II - Space Payloads
Rocket Lab, Chantilly, Virginia, United States, 22021
Mechanical Engineer I/II - Space Payloads
Chantilly, VA
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. Our rockets and satellites enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate‑change mitigation, national security, and new technology demonstrations.
Rocket Lab’s Space Systems business designs and builds an extensive line of satellites and payload components, including spacecraft that support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope. Our team has enabled over 1,700 missions, from interplanetary exploration to in‑space manufacturing and national‑security initiatives. Working with partners such as NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force, we empower bold and ambitious space missions.
Optical Systems Division The Optical Systems division solves mission‑critical space‑domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for DoD and IC customers. By combining more than 20 years of electro‑optical and infrared systems innovation, we deliver responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.
Role Overview As a
Mechanical Engineer I/II
based at our Optical Systems site in Chantilly, VA, you will support multiple advanced space payload and IRAD programs. You will contribute to technical programs across all phases—design, development, build, and test of flight hardware. Bring curiosity, collaboration, and keen attention to detail to a team that relentlessly tackles challenging projects and makes an impact on the future of space.
Responsibilities
Produce mechanical concepts and designs for a wide variety of hardware and projects.
Work with machine shops and vendors to fabricate 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 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, representing 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 – Mechanical Engineer I
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline.
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 – Mechanical Engineer II
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other 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.
Nice to Have (Common for Both Levels)
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 understanding Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing.
Experience with documentation process controls.
Experience with mechanical design for optical and electro‑optical systems.
Hands‑on experience with optical, telescope, laser, or space systems.
Experience designing optical mounts for demanding applications and environments.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to problem‑solve.
Team player who incorporates a team‑based success philosophy and seeks mentorship.
Physical and Environmental Requirements
Must have adequate vision and be able to focus; regular use of computer keyboard and controls.
Must be able to sit, use hands and fingers, and commute to buildings.
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate noise levels.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
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. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
Export Compliance Statement To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations. Learn more about ITAR here.
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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. Our rockets and satellites enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate‑change mitigation, national security, and new technology demonstrations.
Rocket Lab’s Space Systems business designs and builds an extensive line of satellites and payload components, including spacecraft that support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope. Our team has enabled over 1,700 missions, from interplanetary exploration to in‑space manufacturing and national‑security initiatives. Working with partners such as NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force, we empower bold and ambitious space missions.
Optical Systems Division The Optical Systems division solves mission‑critical space‑domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for DoD and IC customers. By combining more than 20 years of electro‑optical and infrared systems innovation, we deliver responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.
Role Overview As a
Mechanical Engineer I/II
based at our Optical Systems site in Chantilly, VA, you will support multiple advanced space payload and IRAD programs. You will contribute to technical programs across all phases—design, development, build, and test of flight hardware. Bring curiosity, collaboration, and keen attention to detail to a team that relentlessly tackles challenging projects and makes an impact on the future of space.
Responsibilities
Produce mechanical concepts and designs for a wide variety of hardware and projects.
Work with machine shops and vendors to fabricate 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 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, representing 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 – Mechanical Engineer I
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline.
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 – Mechanical Engineer II
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other 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.
Nice to Have (Common for Both Levels)
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 understanding Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing.
Experience with documentation process controls.
Experience with mechanical design for optical and electro‑optical systems.
Hands‑on experience with optical, telescope, laser, or space systems.
Experience designing optical mounts for demanding applications and environments.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to problem‑solve.
Team player who incorporates a team‑based success philosophy and seeks mentorship.
Physical and Environmental Requirements
Must have adequate vision and be able to focus; regular use of computer keyboard and controls.
Must be able to sit, use hands and fingers, and commute to buildings.
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate noise levels.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
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. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
Export Compliance Statement To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations. Learn more about ITAR here.
#J-18808-Ljbffr