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.

Life at Rocket Lab

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.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER

Planetary Systems Corporation by Rocket Lab (PSC), a manufacturer of satellite mechanisms, is seeking a proactive Mechanical or Aerospace Engineer with experience in design and development of aerospace mechanisms for commercial and government customers. 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

Hands-on assembly and physical production of mechanical space systems.
Identify and implement quality and process-related initiatives and improvements.
Development of electro-mechanical space systems. Includes design, prototyping, production, and test.
Analysis of mechanical systems via classical and computer methods.
Consultation with machinists and vendors to assure proper manufacture of components.
Inspection and quality control of machined parts.
Occasional travel to meet with customers about PSC products.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

BS in Aerospace, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, Robotics or Systems Engineering.
Basic understanding of electrical circuitry.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

2 years of engineering experience in the aerospace or manufacturing industry
Master's and/or PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical, Robotics or Systems Engineering.
Mechanically inclined and able to troubleshoot basic equipment issues.
Passion for mechanisms and structures.
Strong analytical mindset.
Self-motivated.
Effective verbal and written communication abilities.
Attention to detail.
Ability to schedule and work on multiple projects concurrently.
Ability to work collaboratively with other engineers.
Experience with common manufacturing processes (e.g. CNC, turning, wire EDM, 3D printing)

Position Type: Full-time

Location: Silver Spring, MD

Salary: Competitive with industry standards

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

Travel: Typically, 1 week per year

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.