Principal Mechanism Engineer - Space Systems

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 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 rockethas 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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

You already know Rocket Lab as a global launch leader with our Electron rocket one of the most frequently flown in the world. Next up Neutron our reusable rocket built for the mega constellations of the future. But were not just launching rockets. Rocket Lab Space Systems is building the future of space.

From sendingCAPSTONE to the Moon with NASA to enabling microgravity manufacturing through successful orbital re-entry and next heading to Mars with UC Berkeley and NASA we design and build spacecraft that do what others cant. Whether its a single high-performance satellite or a full constellation we do it all faster and smarter thanks to our vertically integrated satellite components.

If youre ready to work with a world-class team that takes on the boldest space missions and makes the impossible possible were just getting started.

PRINCIPAL MECHANISMS ENGINEER SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab were redefining whats possible in space from reliable Electron launches and deep space missions with NASA to our upcoming Neutron rocket designed to power mega-constellations.

To support this momentum were expanding our Space Systems team and looking for a Principal Mechanism Engineer to lead the design development and qualification of world-class ADCS actuators at scale.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Own the full life cycle of reaction wheel development from requirements to on-orbit commissioning.
• Provide expert technical support to internal mission teams and global customers.
• Lead failure investigations non-conformance reviews and continuous improvement across production.
• Design verify and validate systems through environmental testing (TVAC vibration shock EMC).
• Develop and implement advanced testing methodologies.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive technical knowledge transfer across teams.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering (or a related field) with over 8 years of proven experience in developing brushless electric motors reaction wheels momentum wheels or control moment gyroscopes (CMGs).
• Proven leadership in risk management and material review boards collaborating directly with customers to resolve issues.
• Proven ability to lead products from requirements definition through to on-orbit commissioning.
• Passionate about mentoring junior engineers and developing technical training materials.
• Experienced with aerospace and spaceflight standards including NASA-STD-5017 ECSS-E-ST-3301C SMC-S-016 and AS9100 quality systems.

Technical Knowledge:

• Bearing preload techniques and verification
• Electrically commutated motors and drive topologies
• Rotor dynamics and imbalance characterization
• Micro-vibration analysis and mitigation
• Vacuum tribology including lubricants for prolonged space operation
• Bearing material selection and load capacity analysis

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Hands-on experience with on-orbit anomaly investigations and failure/root cause analysis.
• Strong background in space-grade electronics including magnetics design and brushless motor drive circuits.
• Knowledge of control systems estimators and various speed/position encoders used in spacecraft mechanisms.
• Skilled in requirements management and preparing compliance matrices to ensure mission alignment.
• Experienced in planning executing and reporting development acceptance and qualification testing.
• Proficient in Python for statistical analysis of large production datasets.

Ready to push boundaries and build the future of space

Apply now and make your mark at Rocket Lab!

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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 hereITAR Regulations.