Ground Systems Engineer II - Mechanical

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 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.

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab’s Electron team is responsible for building, testing, and launching our Electron rocket across our launch sites and test facilities in the United States and New Zealand. Electron is one of the world’s most frequently-launched rockets, and our team behind its success are diligent, move fast, and have each others’ back to deliver a reliable rocket to the launch pad time and time again.

GROUND SYSTEMS ENGINEER II – MECHANICAL

As an Engineer with our Ground Systems Engineering Mechanical team, you will be responsible for the design, build, testing and commissioning of launch range and test cell structures, mechanisms and fluid systems. This includes all equipment used to handle and interface with the Electron and Neutron launch vehicles from the moment they leave our production facilities until they are on orbit.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• 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.

Operations Support

• 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.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Essential

• 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.

• Structural design and analysis experience.

• Experience with industrial machinery and equipment.

• Knowledge of NX and Teamcenter.

• Familiarity with ASME, ASTM, and/or NASA ground-system standards.

If you’re driven, collaborative, and eager to work in a fast-paced aerospace environment, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now.

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 [email protected] 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.