Mechanical Engineer II, Neutron Avionics

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

Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

MECHANCIAL ENGINEER II - NEUTRON AVIONICS

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Mechanical Engineer II, Neutron Avionics, is responsible for the development and implementation of mechanical designs and packaging solutions for the electronics that power Neutron. From cradle to grave, you will create the mechanical components that enable the avionics across the vehicle, including on the Archimedes engine, GNC sensing and computing, and the explosive flight safety system, to reliably operate in extreme launch vehicle environments across many re-flights. Working with fellow avionics designers, you will develop innovative solutions to integrate the avionics, optimizing for cost, mass, and production rate. You will be part of a small, agile, and effective US-based avionics team that works hands-on with the physical flight hardware on the production floor and at the launch site.

The ideal candidate will be experienced in mechanical and structural design, electronics packaging, and environmental survivability. You will collaborate with a range of cross-functional teams, including local propulsion and fluids systems, electrical design, vehicle integration, and testing sites – both local, national, and global – for the upper-level assemblies. You will experience vehicle hardware transform from prototype to production, through various test sites, and ending at the launch site with the full Neutron coming together.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Development of mechanical components and electro-mechanical systems. Includes mechanical design, prototyping, production, test and integration. Execute multiple design iterations in efficient manner, while leveraging technical experience to clear short-term issues and long-term roadblocks. Own the hardware delivery timeline through inception, design, assembly, and test.
• Support and execute hardware testing, including system-level performance validation, Archimedes hotfires, integrated vehicle stack tests, and explosive/destructive qualification.
• Analysis of electro-mechanical and structural assemblies via classical and computer methods. Assess and optimize for downstream performance of physical events being driven and usage across the lifetime of the rocket.
• Contribute to the future, reusable vehicle architectures. Optimize the designs, implementation, and operation to achieve hands-off reusability between flights.
• Travel to vendors and test sites around the United States, approximately 10%. Sporadic travel to New Zealand sites.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• 2+ years of professional experience with mechanical or electro-mechanical design and analysis.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Professional experience with NX, Ansys, or similar tools.
• Experience designing things for stressing thermal and dynamic environments.
• Strong fundamentals in mechanical design, 3D modeling, finite element analysis (FEA), and manufacturing drawing creation (GD&T).
• Professional experience working with avionics designers and exposure to electronics integration and packaging.
• Experience with best practices for design, qualification, and production of avionics systems and electro-mechanical components for launch vehicles.
• Experience with Python or similar software languages and integration.
• Experience with an agile development environment.
• Experience vibration and shock testing avionics, sensors, or similar components.
• Experience with HASS/HALT, HITL testing electronics and designing test support hardware.
• Experience with control systems for electro-mechanical components and systems.

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

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.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibili