People Matter

Join the teams that make the Impossible Happen.

About The Role

Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,500 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented.

PSC

PSC by Rocket Lab is a well-known supplier of aerospace mechanisms for the satellite industry since 1998. To date, PSC has over 100 successful product operations in orbit. For more information about PSC, see www.planetarysystemscorp.com.

PSC’s products include separation systems, on-orbit devices, and other electro-mechanical deployables. PSC’s ~18,000 sq ft. facility includes areas for office, lab, shipping/receiving and material storage space.

Mechatronics Engineer III

Planetary Systems Corporation by Rocket Lab (PSC), a manufacturer of satellite mechanisms, is seeking a proactive engineer with experience in design and development of electro-mechanical systems. PSC’s products include separation systems, on-orbit devices, and other electro-mechanical deployables. Candidates must be able to work independently in a small company environment. This position is not remote.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Development of electro-mechanical space systems. Includes design, prototyping, production, and test.
Assist with manufacture and test of PSC products.
Identify and implement quality and process-related initiatives and improvements.
Analysis of electro-mechanical systems via classical and computer methods.
Identify, test, and integrate instruments like IMUs, motor encoders, and power systems.
Run development tests to debug designs.
Maintain and improve test fixture control and data acquisition software.
Inspection and quality control of machined parts.
Occasional travel to meet with customers about PSC products.
Subject matter expert for electrical soldering and harness requirements and procedures.
Cognizant engineer to track and support on-time delivery of external customer programs.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

BS in Aerospace, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, Robotics or Systems Engineering.
At least 4 years’ experience building and controlling motor driven mechanisms or robots.
Mechanically inclined and able to troubleshoot basic equipment issues.
Familiarity with common manufacturing processes. (e.g., CNC, turning, wire EDM, 3D printing)

YOU’LL BRING THESE SKILLS:

Proficiency with electromechanical systems
Programming proficiency in Python, C++, MATLAB, and LabVIEW
Electrical circuit and PCB design (Eagle preferred)
Experience with data acquisition and processing of electrical telemetry
Proficiency in soldering to an industry standard (preferred J-STD-001)
Experience developing GUIs.
CAD familiarity (Solidworks preferred).

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Attention to detail, Strong analytical mindset, and Self-motivated.
Ability to schedule and work on multiple projects concurrently.
Effective verbal and written communication abilities.
Ability to work collaboratively with other engineers.
MS in Aerospace, Electrical, Robotics or Systems Engineering.
6 years’ experience building and controlling motor driven mechanisms or robots.
Familiarity with implementing AI.
Industrial Interconnect familiarity (CAN bus or similar)
ROS familiarity
Motor controller familiarity
Control algorithm familiarity
GPIO, serial, analog, and digital signals familiarity

Additional Position Details:

Position Type: Full-time, in-person

Location: Silver Spring, MD

Compensation: Competitive salary and benefit package commensurate with experience

Benefits: Paid vacation and holidays, medical, life, and disability insurance, 401k plan with company match, flex-time work schedule, new parent leave, and more.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations fromthe U.S Department of State.

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.

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.