Ground Systems Engineer II - Mechanical at Rocket Lab USA

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

Apply Now

Not SpecifiedCompensation

Mid-level (3 to 4 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Aerospace, Space, RocketryIndustries

Requirements

Mechanical or structural engineering degree (or equivalent)
2+ years’ experience in engineering design, testing, and/or operations within aerospace or industrial sectors
Proficiency with 3D CAD and PLM software (e.g., SolidWorks & EPDM)
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, autonomous environment
Strong communication skills and ability to build effective working relationships
(Desirable) Experience with structural steel, launch pad systems, engine-test stands, or similar industries
(Desirable) Structural design and analysis experience
(Desirable) Experience with industrial machinery and equipment
(Desirable) Knowledge of NX and Teamcenter
(Desirable) Familiarity with ASME, ASTM, and/or NASA ground-system standards

Responsibilities

Design systems including launch vehicle transporters, erectors and launchers, spacecraft-handling equipment, and ground-support tooling
Create 2D and 3D models using CAD software
Perform system sizing and analysis using hand calculations and numerical methods
Generate and maintain schematics of mechanical systems (e.g., hydraulic schematics, P&IDs, connection diagrams)
Develop and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs)
Collaborate with suppliers and internal engineering teams
Support certification of launch pad systems where applicable
Contribute to maintenance-program development
Demonstrate hands-on involvement during build phases; comfortable working in the field as needed
Collaborate with test and operations teams to ensure systems remain operational
Support pad technicians, both remotely and on site - during installation, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting
Develop and execute test plans to validate the performance of launch pad systems and vehicle interfaces
Design, develop and maintain test equipment
Conduct post-flight and post-test data analysis to identify trends and improvements

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Mechanical DesignCADStructuresMechanismsFluid SystemsLaunch SystemsTestingCommissioningTransportersErectors

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What are the main responsibilities of the Ground Systems Engineer II - Mechanical role?

You'll design, build, test, and commission launch range and test cell structures, mechanisms, and fluid systems, including equipment for handling Electron and Neutron launch vehicles. This involves creating CAD models, performing analysis, generating schematics and BOMs, collaborating with teams and suppliers, and providing hands-on support during operations and testing.

What skills and tasks are required for this position?

Key tasks include designing systems like transporters and erectors using CAD software for 2D/3D models, performing sizing and analysis with hand calculations and numerical methods, generating schematics and BOMs, and hands-on involvement in build, testing, and operations support.

Is this role remote or does it require on-site work?

The role requires hands-on involvement during build phases and working in the field as needed, including on-site support for pad technicians during installation, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting.

What is the company culture like at Rocket Lab?

The Electron team is diligent, moves fast, and has each others’ back to deliver reliable rockets repeatedly. The overall culture supports ambitious space missions with a focus on responsiveness and reliability.

What makes a strong candidate for this Ground Systems Engineer role?

Strong candidates will have mechanical engineering expertise in designing fluid systems and structures, proficiency in CAD modeling, analysis skills using hand calculations and numerical methods, and comfort with hands-on field work, testing, and cross-team collaboration.

Rocket Lab USA

Provides launch services and spacecraft solutions

About Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab provides comprehensive space solutions, including launch services, spacecraft components, and satellite management. Their main products are the Electron launch vehicle, which is designed for small satellite launches, and the Photon satellite platform, which supports various missions, including those for NASA. The Electron rocket has gained popularity, becoming the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket since its debut in 2018, successfully delivering over 100 satellites into orbit for various sectors. Rocket Lab differentiates itself from competitors by offering a streamlined approach to accessing space, with multiple launch sites and a focus on affordability and reliability. The company's goal is to make space more accessible and to support a wide range of missions, from national security to scientific exploration.

Long Beach, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2006Year Founded

$713.3MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Robotics & Automation, Aerospace, DefenseIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Flexible Spending Account

Company Equity

Wellness Program

Phone/Internet Stipend

Childcare Support

Gym Membership

Employee Discounts

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Professional Development Budget

Conference Attendance Budget

Flexible Work Hours

Hybrid Work Options

Risks

Increased competition from SpaceX as Rocket Lab develops the Neutron rocket.

Potential delays in Virginia launch site could impact schedules and revenue.

Reliance on New Zealand site poses risks from geopolitical tensions or natural disasters.

Differentiation

Rocket Lab's Electron is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually.

Photon platform supports NASA missions to the Moon, Mars, and private Venus missions.

Neutron rocket development positions Rocket Lab as a competitor in heavy-lift launches.

Upsides

Collaboration with Air Force Research Lab could lead to more defense contracts.

Operational efficiency shown by two launches in 24 hours from different hemispheres.

Investment by Pier 88 indicates strong investor confidence in Rocket Lab's growth.

Land your dream remote job 3x faster with AI

Try Jobo Free