Senior Ground Systems Engineer - Structures & Mechanisms

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

SENIOR GROUND SYSTEMS ENGINEER – STRUCTURES AND MECHANISMS

As a Ground Systems Engineer II – Structures and Mechanisms You will be responsible for the design, build, testing and commissioning of large mechanisms, launch pad structures, and transportation fixtures directly related to the Neutron launch vehicle. This role will also be involved in project planning and working closely with technicians to ensure projects are delivered on time and compliant with specifications. We are looking for engineers from a variety of backgrounds. As an Engineer in the team, you will carry out projects from conception to delivery.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:  

• Design of launch pad and test site fixed assets including test stands, launch mounts, and gantries.

• Design of launch vehicle support equipment including transportation fixtures, lifting apparatuses, and breakover fixtures.

• Design of large mechanisms including umbilicals, hold downs, and strongbacks.

• 2D and 3D modelling through the use of CAD software, specifically NX.

• System sizing and analysis by hand calculation and numerical methods

• Produce risk assessments, system hazard analyses, and FMEAs.

• Component selection, development, and maintenance of BOMs

• Interact with suppliers and internal teams.

• Perform failure investigations and root cause analysis.

• Support maintenance program development.

• Collaborate with test and operations team to ensure systems are fully functional.

• Support pad technicians remotely and in person during installation, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting activities. 

• Develop and execute test plans to validate the performance of launch pad systems and vehicle interfaces.

• Design, develop and maintain test equipment

• Collaborate with test and operations team to ensure systems are fully functional.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATION AS A GROUND SYSTEMS ENGINEER II : 

• ABET accredited Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.

• 5+ years of experience in directly applicable design, testing, and/or operations within the aerospace or industrial sectors.

• Experience in the design of large structures and mechanisms. 

• Proficiency in CAD software (NX, Solidworks)

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• Experience with launch pad systems OR oil and gas, process, mining, or other similar industry. This role is not limited to those with prior launch system experience.  

• Experience with Structural design and analysis. 

• Experience with software based analysis tools such as RISA, ANSYS, GFSSP, AFT, Thermal Desktop, or equivalent 

• Experience with design of fluid systems to ASME, ASTM and/or NASA Ground system standards would be an asset 

• Ability to read, understand, and produce fabrication drawings 

• Ability to work in fast paced, autonomously driven environment 

• Prior experience through education, internships or full time employment that are directly applicable to the design of structures or mechanisms

• Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships 

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. 

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans, dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and other discounts and perks.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia’s pay transparency requirements. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$140,000—$164,000 USD

Base Salary

$100,000—$137,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes 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 challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

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 (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

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.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is 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 country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.