Mechanical Engineer II, Neutron Avionics

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 globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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.

Experie…